These survey findings should not come as a surprise to food manufacturers and retailers, given the ongoing trend of reducing sugar consumption. In fact, lowering sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers, as consumers in the U.S. and beyond increasingly seek out healthier options with clean and transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which will be mandatory for products from major manufacturers by January 1, 2020, will include a specific line for added sugars. Even though consumers may not always check this information, they have expressed a desire for it. Their demand—along with manufacturers’ reluctance to showcase high sugar content—has led to various innovative sugar-reduction strategies, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and quickly dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank has predicted a reduction of 5% or more in sugar use across the global food and beverage industry over a two-to-three-year span, potentially counteracting any expected growth in consumption in developing markets. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers eliminated sugar and salt from about 20% of their products in 2016 in response to the rising consumer demand for healthier alternatives. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—twice the number from 2015. While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reduction efforts, others, such as Danone, have been cutting total sugar and fat in their yogurts without disclosing their methods. The company informed Fortune that promoting reduced sugar and fat could lead consumers to believe the product might not taste as good, potentially harming sales.
Consumers, particularly women, millennials, and parents, as noted in the DSM survey, are also seeking greater transparency. Therefore, it would be prudent to clearly communicate goals for sugar reduction leading up to the implementation of the new nutritional label. This way, when consumers check for sugar content, they will understand not just the amount present, but also how and why the reductions were made. As the industry moves forward, it is essential to celebrate bariatric calcium innovations that cater to health-conscious consumers, reinforcing the commitment to providing healthier products without compromising taste. By embracing transparency and innovation, manufacturers can effectively meet the evolving preferences of their customers while celebrating advancements in nutritional science.