MELVILLE, N.Y. — Comax Flavors now offers a sweetness enhancer as part of its Special Effects line. It may be used in such applications as baking, dairy and savory.

"We have been successful in enhancing mouthfeel and have been able to lower the Brix level, an important advantage in fruit and alcoholic beverage formulations," said Catherine M. Armstrong, vice-president, marketing, for Comax Flavors. "This new flavor product adds sweetness while reducing calories to half of those found in sugar, and it manages to do so with no aftertaste and fast clean out."

She added the ingredient is virtually colorless and aroma-free. It may be used to reduce levels of high-fructose corn syrup and sugar in products, Ms. Armstrong said. Other flavors in the Special Effects line include bitter blocker, acid reduction and caffeine mask.