Finnish-developed chromium spray aims to curb sugar cravings and expand abroad

A nurse from Kokkola, Finland, has created a chromium-based oral spray designed to help control sugar cravings, with plans to enter international markets, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Teija Vörlin, a diabetes nurse and entrepreneur, developed the Dropsweets chromium spray after observing how patients with type 2 diabetes struggled with intense sugar cravings caused by rapid blood sugar fluctuations. While she had previously recommended chromium tablets, their poor absorption led her to create a fast-acting spray that delivers chromium directly through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream.

The spray, classified as a dietary supplement, contains 40 micrograms of chromium per dose, with a recommended maximum of four doses per day. Chromium has an EU-approved health claim for supporting normal blood glucose levels, though research on its broader effects remains limited.

A recent test group of 50 users reported a 74 percent reduction in sugar cravings, according to Vörlin. She emphasizes the product’s role in raising awareness of dietary choices rather than serving as a standalone solution.

Mixed scientific backing
André Heikius, chief physician at Turku’s Painoklinikka obesity clinic, notes that while some small studies suggest chromium may influence cravings, the overall evidence is weak and inconsistent. He stresses that sustainable weight management relies more on balanced meal timing, adequate protein intake, and sufficient sleep rather than chromium supplementation.

Global market ambitions
Drophop, the company behind the spray, has received €60,000 in funding from Business Finland for international expansion. Pilot tests in the U.S. (60 participants, 71 percent reporting reduced cravings) and ongoing trials in Germany aim to pave the way for market entry. With over 70 percent of U.S. adults classified as overweight, Vörlin sees significant potential.

The company is now seeking distribution partners, exploring sales channels beyond Finnish pharmacies, and plans to expand to the Nordics and Baltics after establishing a foothold in Germany and the U.S.