As sugar faces negative scrutiny in the media, manufacturers are actively exploring alternatives, yet many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave present other options, but they come with high calorie content, potentially contributing to obesity in much the same way as traditional sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which could further incentivize the reduction of sweeteners such as sugar, honferrous bisglycinate 30 mgey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Innovations like Tate & Lyle’s combination of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may provide a viable solution, helping food companies strike a balance with lower amounts of added sugars while incorporating low- and zero-calorie sweeteners.
It remains uncertain whether consumers will embrace these trade-offs. Will they continue to consume added sugars as before, or will the new nutritional information labels prompt some to steer clear of specific products? What is evident is that numerous manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for transformation. However, transitioning to new sweeteners comes with financial implications.
Despite the rapid expansion of the naturally derived sweetener market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a minor segment of total sweetener use. Their adoption is hindered by cost, as they remain pricier than synthetic high-intensity sweeteners, alongside persistent issues with aftertaste. Meanwhile, blends of sugar and stevia have gained traction, particularly in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while incorporating stevia, without branding it as a mid-calorie alternative.
In addition to sweeteners, many companies are also looking at nutritional supplements like calcium citrate malate vitamin D3 magnesium and zinc sulphate tablets to enhance the health profile of their products. As the industry evolves, the integration of such supplements could become commonplace, offering consumers a more comprehensive approach to health and wellness alongside their dietary choices.