International Beverage and Filling Industries (IBFI), based in the UAE, has collaborated with scientists from Imperial College London and Oxford to introduce Soom Lite, a vegan, low-calorie beverage. The product has previously received the InnovateUK Award and has garnered attention from wellness enthusiasts globally.
Soom Lite distinguishes itself as a reduced-sugar fruit juice that incorporates a specific Japanese plant fibre, which has received backing from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Each bottle reportedly contains around 20 calories and comes in three flavors: orange, guava, and multi-fruit.
Manufactured entirely in the UAE, Soom Lite has been awarded the Emirates Quality Mark and features the Made in UAE logo, indicating its adherence to high-quality standards.
According to the team behind Soom Lite, the beverage’s Japanese plant fibre is designed to stimulate the natural release of the GLP-1 hormone when consumed with meals. This hormone is known for its role in reducing and delaying sugar absorption from the digestive system, which could potentially curb post-meal sugar spikes. Elevated sugar levels after meals are often linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Dr. Mo Al Qaisi from Imperial College London has described Soom Lite as a beverage that can “visibly blunt sugar spikes when consumed with daily meals or when mixed with other sugary drinks.” Joao Silva, Communications Lead for Soom Lite, has stated that the Japanese plant fibre in the drink is denser than ordinary plant fibres found in salads and vegetables, suggesting its potential effectiveness in moderating sugar levels.
Soom Lite can be consumed up to six times a day and is being marketed as a versatile addition to various meal plans, given its low-calorie content. The drink can be had around meal times or as a standalone option to manage hunger.
As the first functional GLP-1 drink to be manufactured in the Arab world, Soom Lite represents a significant milestone in the UAE’s food manufacturing and science sectors. The product’s introduction has been met with interest, especially among those focusing on wellness and weight management.
While the long-term impact of Soom Lite remains to be seen, its launch is undoubtedly a noteworthy development in the UAE’s growing wellness market.
