Yeast beta-glucans

Definition/Description: Beta-glucans are complex, high molecular mass (100–200 kDa) polysaccharides, found in the cell wall of many yeasts and cereals. Beta-glucans are isolated from yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This novel food is available in three different forms: soluble, insoluble and insoluble in water, but dispersible in many liquid matrices.

Specification: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2017/2470/annex/paragraph/2#tgp1-tbl1-tbd1-tr234

Conditions under which the novel food may be used: Food category Maximum levels of pure beta-glucans from yeast (Saccharomyces cervisiae)

Beverages based on fruit and/or vegetable juices including concentrate and dehydrated juices 1.3 g/kg

Breakfast cereals 15.3 g/kg

Cereal bars 6 g/kg

Chocolate and confectionery 4 g/kg

Cocoa beverages preparation powder 38.3 g/kg (powder)

Cookie-type biscuits 6.7 g/kg

Cracker-type biscuits 6.7 g/kg

Dried milk/milk powder 25.5 g/kg

Fermented milk products 3.8 g/kg

Food for special medical purposes as defined in Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, excluding food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children 1.275 g/day

Food supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46/EC, excluding food supplements for infants and young children 1.275 g/day for children older than 12 years and general adult population; 0.675 g/day for children younger than 12 years

Fruit-Flavoured Drinks 0.8 g/kg

Jam, marmalade and other fruit spreads 11.3 g/kg

Milk based beverages 3.8 g/kg

Milk product analogues 3.8 g/kg

Other beverages 0.8 g/kg (ready to drink); 7 g/kg (powder)

Protein bars and powders 19.1 g/kg

Soups and soup mixes 0.9 g/kg (ready to eat); 1.8 g/kg (condensed); 6.3 g/kg (powder)

Total diet replacement for weight control as defined in Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 1.275 g/day

Wholegrain and high fibre instant hot breakfast cereals 1.5 g/kg

Food category	Maximum levels of pure beta-glucans from yeast (Saccharomyces cervisiae)
Beverages based on fruit and/or vegetable juices including concentrate and dehydrated juices	1.3 g/kg
Breakfast cereals	15.3 g/kg
Cereal bars	6 g/kg
Chocolate and confectionery	4 g/kg
Cocoa beverages preparation powder	38.3 g/kg (powder)
Cookie-type biscuits	6.7 g/kg
Cracker-type biscuits	6.7 g/kg
Dried milk/milk powder	25.5 g/kg
Fermented milk products	3.8 g/kg
Food for special medical purposes as defined in Regulation (EU) No 609/2013, excluding food for special medical purposes intended for infants and young children	1.275 g/day
Food supplements as defined in Directive 2002/46/EC, excluding food supplements for infants and young children	1.275 g/day for children older than 12 years and general adult population; 0.675 g/day for children younger than 12 years
Fruit-Flavoured Drinks	0.8 g/kg
Jam, marmalade and other fruit spreads	11.3 g/kg
Milk based beverages	3.8 g/kg
Milk product analogues	3.8 g/kg
Other beverages	0.8 g/kg (ready to drink); 7 g/kg (powder)
Protein bars and powders	19.1 g/kg
Soups and soup mixes	0.9 g/kg (ready to eat); 1.8 g/kg (condensed); 6.3 g/kg (powder)
Total diet replacement for weight control as defined in Regulation (EU) No 609/2013	1.275 g/day
Wholegrain and high fibre instant hot breakfast cereals	1.5 g/kg

Additional specific labelling requirements: The designation of the novel food on the labelling of the foodstuffs containing it shall be 'Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) beta-glucans'

Legislation links: England, Scotland, Wales: Assimilated EU Regulations 2017/2470 , Assimilated EU Regulations 2018/1023 , Assimilated EU Regulations 2019/1272

Last updated: 01 April 2025 The date the item authorisation was last updated.

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