Health trends are steering consumers towards healthier food and beverage options that are lower in sugar and free from artificial sweeteners. Campaigns like the recent “month without sugar” and state soda taxes are keeping the focus on sugar reduction for consumers. Although the Food and Drug Administration initially mandated food manufacturers to report the grams of added sugars in packaged goods on new nutrition facts labels, the deadline has been delayed. Nevertheless, major food and beverage companies are actively working to decrease sugar and other sweeteners in their product formulations or substitute them with healthier, natural alternatives.
Nestlé has developed a method to naturally modify the sugar molecule, which reduces the quantity ingested. The confectionery giant plans to incorporate this new sugar into its products in 2018, enabling the company to use up to 40% less sugar without sacrificing sweetness. Stonyfield, the largest organic yogurt producer in the U.S., also announced plans to cut added sugars by up to 40% in some of its product lines. Additionally, soda manufacturers are now offering smaller cans and a wider range of low-calorie beverages, often opting for sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit instead of traditional sugar. Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all pledged to decrease the number of sugary drink calories consumed by Americans by 20% by 2025.
Companies like Pyure have swiftly introduced various stevia-based products as consumer preferences shift away from sugar. Stevia naturally delivers sweetness 300 times greater than sugar, with zero calories and no impact on the glycemic index. This remarkable potency allows brands to use significantly less of the ingredient. For instance, Unilever is leveraging stevia as a substitute to lower sugar levels in their offerings without compromising taste or mouthfeel.
According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers reduced sugar and salt content in approximately 20% of their products in 2016, reflecting the rising consumer demand for healthier options. A survey involving 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated in the past year alone, doubling the number from 2015. Should this trend continue—as all signs suggest it will—the adverse effects predicted for the sugar market in Rabobank’s report could very well materialize.
In this context, it’s worth noting the growing popularity of supplements like calcium citrate 500mg tablets, which consumers are increasingly incorporating into their diets to support overall health. As the market shifts towards healthier choices, products like these are likely to see a rise in demand, aligning with the broader trends of reducing sugar intake and promoting well-being. The integration of calcium citrate 500mg tablets into health routines reflects the proactive steps consumers are taking to enhance their nutrition amidst these evolving food and beverage landscapes.