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Foods are preserved to avoid or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that destroy the product and to avoid pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases.

Microorganisms need water in order to grow. They take on water via the outer layer of the cell. If the concentration of sugar in a product is raised to a certain level, cells are unable to take on water. This inhibits the growth of microorganisms, because the availability of water is reduced and water activity drops.

Adding sugar to the solution increases the osmotic pressure, thereby reducing the opportunities for microorganisms to grow. By creating the most unpropitious combination of e.g. pH, water activity and temperature for microorganisms, it is possible to reduce the proportion of preservatives. Sugar can play an important role in this.

Since sugar binds water, adding sugar reduces water activity. The less water activity there is, the longer the product will last. Microorganisms can only live in “free” water. If the water activity level is low enough, microorganisms cannot destroy the food.

A sugar level of 500 g per kg of berries or pulp is equivalent to a water activity of 0.97, while a sugar level of 1 kg per kg of berries or pulp reduces the water activity to 0.92. When the mixture is boiled, this proportion of sugar prevents spores from forming.

Legal status varies from country to country. Local food regulations should always be consulted concerning the status of this product, as legislation regarding its use in food may vary from country to country.