The future of sugar reduction...
...is conversion
Introducing a groundbreaking approach to nutrition through enzymatic innovation: Convero.
The problem with sugar
If you’re on this page, we probably don’t have to explain it to you—the world has a serious sugar problem.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), adults should have no more than 30g of added sugars per day. ¹
Yet in the US, the average adult eats over 33.7 kg of sugar per year, that’s more than 3 times the recommended amount. ²
The overconsumption of sugar leads to many health complications, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, tooth decay, fatty liver disease, and cancer. ³
Sugar—there’s no substitute for you
Our global love for sugar has led to many innovations in sugar substitutes (both natural and artificial) to help reduce our intake.
From allulose to aspartame, sucralose to erythritol (just to name just a few), these sweeteners fall short on consumer taste and texture preferences.
Artificial sweeteners, perceived health risks, & consumer preferences
There is growing concern from media outlets around the long-term health effects of sugar substitutes.
.webp&w=3840&q=75)
These concerns about the safety of artificial sweeteners are impacting consumer perception
Sometimes it’s not a question of health, but of taste
When it comes to natural sweeteners like Stevia, people tend to prefer the taste of regular sugar. ⁴
Let’s rethink sugar
It’s clear from the issues discussed above that sugar substitutes leave much to desire, both in terms of perception and taste, as evidenced by shifting consumer preferences. That’s why at Zya, we take a different approach.
Let's rethink sugar—not by substituting it, but by transforming how our body processes it, for a better and happier outcome, using the power of enzymes to convert sugar after consumption.
Redefining
how we interact with sugar
If enzymes are nature’s alchemists, then we’ve discovered one of the most special.
We call it Convero.
Convero is Zya’s flagship enzyme, known scientifically as an “inulosucrase.”
Convero targets sucrose (table sugar) and converts it into inulin, a prebiotic fiber, during digestion. This process helps shift sugar consumption from excess to moderation, while providing the health benefit of pre-biotic fiber.
Convero was developed through a biological technique called “directed evolution”. The enzyme is tailored to function effectively in the gastrointestinal tract, maintaining stability and performance.
How Convero works:
Converting
sugar at the point of digestion
When consumed, Convero acts on the sucrose you ingest, using its subunits (glucose and fructose) to form inulin. This type of fiber is well-tolerated by the human body and supports gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.
Sucrose consumption:
Sugar is ingested in the form of table sugar found in some foods.
Enzyme activation:
Convero acts on the sucrose, splitting it into subunits (glucose and fructose).
Inulin formation:
The enzyme then links these subunits to form a chain of inulin, turning what was once sugar into fiber.
Better nutrition:
The result is less sucrose uptake and fiber production, which is then consumed by healthy gut bacteria.
The health benefits of Convero:
More than just a reduction in sugar
Convero doesn’t just reduce sugar—it transforms it into something beneficial. Unlike artificial and natural sweeteners that often compromise taste and texture, Convero allows food products to maintain their original profiles while adding nutritional value.
Maintains Flavor Integrity:
No reformulation needed—enjoy the taste you know and love.
Increased Fiber Intake:
By being incorporated as an ingredient in food with sucrose, Convero can repurpose 30% of the sugar consumed into fiber, helping to contribute to your daily recommended intake
Societal Impact:
Reduces sugar consumption in a realistic way for consumers, making better choices easier and more appealing.
Inulin safety and efficacy:
Inulin is proven, trusted, and beneficial
So instead of absorbing more sugar, Convero turns that extra sugar into healthy inulin.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has officially recognized the health benefits of inulin, including promoting pre-biotic digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
With as little as 5-8 grams of inulin daily, studies have shown a positive shift in gut microbiota composition, which contributes to better overall health.
Source: Kolida, Meyer & Gibson (2007). European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 61, 1189-1195.
Who is Convero for?
Empowering everyday food brands and consumers
Convero is designed for food manufacturers and brands who are aiming to offer consumers a better-for-you option without sacrificing taste.
Modern consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with artificial and natural sugar substitutes.
Converting sugar after eating is the new way of sugar reduction that consumers can finally get excited about. Convero bridges this gap by offering a way to enjoy traditional foods with a nutritional boost.
This is especially important for the growing segment of consumers looking for reduced sugar products that still provide a satisfying experience.
Starting with its launch in the US, Convero is set to expand globally. Our goal is to integrate this enzyme into food products around the world, reshaping the nutritional landscape and empowering consumers everywhere to make better choices.
Our consumer research suggests we appeal to mainstream consumers that are conscious and concerned about the amount of sugar in their diet. Our ingredient has received broad excitement across consumers segments, even amongst those that would describe themselves as disengaged with their health.
How can Convero be added to food?
Convero is used as a powdered ingredient for food manufacturers
It is immediately able to be included in dry food products like snack bars, chocolate and baked goods.
Convero, when used as a dry ingredient, does not convert sugar in the food product (which would reduce the tastiness). Convero instead acts on the ingested sucrose.
We’re always open and keen to explore ways in which Convero could be added to other applications and will develop different formulations for different food products.
Interested in seeing how Convero can enhance your products?
Reach out to us for a consultation or product trial.
Why Convero is the future of sugar reduction:
Balancing health, taste, & sustainability in a world hooked on sugar.
Consumers increasingly prioritize health and nutrition, but taste remains non-negotiable.
It is clear that sugar alternative no longer satisfy today’s demands for both flavor and consumer acceptance.
That’s why we believe sugar conversion is the next evolution in sugar reduction efforts within the food industry. With Convero, food brands can offer the best of both worlds—delicious, satisfying products that also support better health.
While eliminating sugar entirely from everyone’s diet is unrealistic, moderation is achievable. Instead of asking people to make impossible changes, Zya is empowering them with a practical, science-backed way to reduce sugar intake in their everyday lives.
Our goal is simple:
To make better-for-you options just as appealing and accessible as the brands people already love.
