Chelsea Sugar will today bring LoGiCane, the world's first all-natural low glycemic index (GI) cane sugar to New Zealand. Low GI foods are slower to digest, metabolise and absorb, providing longer lasting energy and increasing satiety.

With diabetes and obesity on the rise in New Zealand, the advent of a low GI sugar will provide consumers with a healthier choice without compromising on taste or texture.

LoGiCane can be used in exactly the same way as regular sugar for baking, cooking and for sprinkling on cereal but with a significantly lower GI , making it easier for New Zealanders to achieve a low GI diet.

Dr Alan Barclay of the Glycemic Index Foundation believes that replacing white refined sugar with a healthier low GI sugar alternative could have significant benefits for public health.

"There is increasing evidence that a low GI diet helps to reduce hunger, prolong physical endurance and aid weight loss," says Dr Barclay. "A low GI diet can also improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes."

LoGiCane was developed by Horizon Science, an Australian Research and Development company and has been independently tested and certified by the Glycemic Index Foundation.

LoGiCane is made from 100% sugar cane grown in Mossman, Queensland and retains more of the natural antioxidants, found in sugar cane. It is fully substitutable for traditional white refined sugar and has no chemical additives, artificial colours or preservatives.

"Traditional refining of raw sugar removes the majority of bio-active phytochemicals. Retention of these phytochemicals in the sugar reduces the amount of glucose absorption," says Dr Jason Smythe, Senior Vice President and Global Head of R&D, Horizon Science.

"We have applied the science to effectively retain the best of what nature intended in the sugar," he says.

Funded by the Australian Federal Government and Queensland State Government of Australia, New Zealand-based BioPacific Ventures and Swiss based Inventages LLC, LoGiCane was successfully launched into Australia in March 2009.

A partnership between Horizon Science and New Zealand Sugar, under the Chelsea brand, makes New Zealand the first market outside Australia to benefit from the innovation. Discussions are currently underway with international food manufacturers about the potential of using LoGiCane as an ingredient in other foods.

LoGiCane is now on supermarket shelves under the Chelsea brand RRP $2.99 for 500 gram pack.