A Detailed Look at Noshu Cookie Ingredients
Noshu offers several types of cookies and cookie mixes, and the exact ingredients can vary depending on the product, flavor, and whether it's a ready-to-eat cookie or a baking mix. However, a few key components are consistent across their low-sugar range. They primarily use alternatives to traditional white sugar and wheat flour to lower the carbohydrate count and remove refined sugars.
Common Ingredients in Noshu Products
- Sweeteners: Noshu relies heavily on non-GMO sweeteners like xylitol, steviol glycosides (stevia), and monk fruit extract to provide sweetness without the calories or carbohydrates of sugar. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol known for its sugar-like taste but is not suitable for pets and may have a laxative effect if consumed in large quantities.
- Fibers: To add bulk and texture, ingredients like soluble corn fibre, polydextrose, and chicory root fibre are often used. These ingredients also contribute to the overall dietary fibre content of the cookies.
- Flours: Instead of traditional wheat flour, many Noshu products, particularly the mixes, use alternative flours such as oat flour and chickpea flour. Some ready-to-eat cookies may still contain wheat flour, so it's important to check the specific product's label.
- Fats: Depending on the recipe, cookies can contain vegetable fats, unsalted butter (for non-vegan options), and potentially palm kernel oil that is RSPO certified.
- Chocolate Chips: In their choc chip varieties, Noshu uses sugar-free chocolate chips that may contain sweeteners like maltitol and vegetable fat.
- Binding and Raising Agents: Ingredients like guar gum, soy protein isolate, and raising agents (e.g., 450, 500) are used to achieve the desired chewy texture and to help the cookies rise during baking.
Comparison of Noshu Cookie Varieties
To highlight the differences between products, here is a comparison of a ready-to-eat cookie and a baking mix, based on publicly available ingredient lists.
| Ingredient Category | Noshu Choc Chip Chewy Cookie Snacks (Ready-to-eat) | Noshu Choc Chip Cookies Mix (Baking Mix) |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | Wheat Flour (Thiamin, Folate) | Oat Flour, Chickpea Flour |
| Fats | Unsalted Butter, Vegetable Glycerine, Antioxidant (Mixed Tocopherols) | Vegetable Fat (in Choc Chips) |
| Sweeteners | Non-GMO Xylitol, Sucrose (in chocolate chips) | Non-GMO Xylitol, Maltitol (in Choc Chips), Monk Fruit Extract, Steviol Glycosides |
| Fibers | Chicory Root Fibre, Soluble Corn Fibre, Isomalto-oligosaccharides | Soluble Corn Fibre, Polydextrose, Resistant Starch, Inulin (in Choc Chips) |
| Allergens | Contains: Milk, Soy, Wheat. | Contains: Soy, Gluten (from Oats). May contain: Milk, Tree Nuts, Peanuts. |
The Role of Alternative Ingredients
The ingredients in Noshu cookies serve specific functions that differentiate them from conventional sugary treats.
Sweeteners
The use of natural, plant-based sweeteners like stevia and erythritol allows Noshu to significantly reduce the sugar content while maintaining a sweet flavor profile. For instance, erythritol is a polyol (sugar alcohol) that provides bulk and sweetness with a minimal caloric impact and is found naturally in many fruits. This is a healthier alternative to highly processed, artificial sweeteners.
Non-traditional Flours
By swapping out standard wheat flour for options like oat and chickpea flour, Noshu achieves a wheat-free and, in some cases, a gluten-free base, catering to a wider range of dietary needs. These flours also often contribute more fiber and nutrients than refined white flour.
Functional Fibers
Fibers such as soluble corn fibre and polydextrose play a crucial role in creating the desired texture and mouthfeel, which can be challenging to replicate in low-sugar baking. They also aid in digestion and contribute to the low net carbohydrate count. The blend of these functional ingredients allows Noshu to create satisfyingly chewy cookies without the high sugar content that would normally provide that texture.
Conclusion
Noshu cookies are crafted using a deliberate combination of alternative flours and natural sweeteners to produce a low-sugar and low-carb product. While the exact formulation varies by product, common ingredients include oat and chickpea flours, xylitol, stevia, and a variety of functional fibers. Checking the specific product's ingredient list is recommended, as allergens and exact composition can differ between the ready-to-eat snacks and baking mixes. The use of these specialized ingredients allows Noshu to deliver a healthier alternative to conventional cookies without a major compromise on taste or texture.
Visit the official Noshu website for the latest product details
