Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today. As consumers increasingly gravitate toward healthier options and transparent labeling, the revised Nutrition Facts panel—delayed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers—now mandates a distinct line for added sugars. Consumers express a desire for this information, even if they do not consistently check it.
These demands have catalyzed a variety of sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion points out that depending on which of its low-sugar glucose syrups is utilized, it can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly influence consumer perceptions. Corn syrup has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its less-than-healthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry does not disclose the mechanics of its TastSense flavor booster product, only stating that it restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost due to sugar reduction, and can be classified as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, shared with Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies often believe that lowering sugar content necessitates a compromise on functionality and taste. “Sugar does more than provide sweetness; it plays a complex role in giving food and beverages the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers cherish,” Vaughn stated. “Many available solutions fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar. Additionally, they often introduce undesirable off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while reducing actual sugar content. This balancing act may be supported by these innovative products, but ultimately, consumers will have the final say. Moreover, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate D3 Solgar can help enhance nutritional profiles, making the products more appealing to health-conscious consumers who are also mindful of sugar intake. By effectively integrating calcium citrate D3 Solgar, manufacturers can create formulations that not only taste good but also offer added health benefits, appealing to a broader audience.