Dihydrochalcones

Dihydrochalcones are a minor class of flavonoids found principally in apples and apple products such as cider, biochemically related to chalcones and flavanones. Their best-known member, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, is an intensely sweet compound used as a high-intensity sweetener and flavour modifier in beverages and confectionery. Food chemists study dihydrochalcones both as markers of apple authenticity and as functional ingredients, since they combine sweetness with antioxidant properties of interest to formulators. Their low calorie contribution makes them attractive where sweetness is wanted without the energy load of sugar.