The findings from this survey should not be surprising for food manufacturers and retailers, as the shift away from sugar has been steadily increasing for some time. In fact, reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a key priority for manufacturers today, given that consumers in the U.S. and around the world are increasingly favoring healthier options and clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which will be mandatory on products from large manufacturers by January 1, 2020, includes a specific line for added sugars. Consumers have expressed a desire for this information, even if they do not always check it. Their preferences, along with manufacturers’ reluctance to display high sugar content, have driven various sugar reduction innovations, including artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank has predicted that sugar usage in the global food and beverage sector could decrease by 5% or more over the next two to three years, potentially countering any expected increase in consumption in developing markets. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers reduced sugar and salt in approximately 20% of their products in 2016 in response to the rising demand for healthier items. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—double the amount from 2015. While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reductions, others, such as DanoneWave, have been lowering total sugar and fat in their yogurts without disclosing their methods. The company informed Fortune that marketing reduced sugar and fat could lead consumers to believe the product will taste inferior, potentially harming sales.
Consumers—especially women, millennials, and parents, as highlighted in the DSM survey—are also seeking transparency. Therefore, being open about sugar reduction goals leading up to the introduction of the new nutritional label could be a strategic approach. When consumers examine a label for sugar content, they will not only understand how much sugar is present but also how and why the reduction was implemented. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate 500mg tablets in their formulations may provide further health benefits, allowing manufacturers to emphasize their commitment to health and wellness while addressing sugar content.
By continuing to innovate and communicate effectively about their sugar reduction strategies, food manufacturers can better meet the evolving needs of consumers who are increasingly health-conscious and informed.