Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and favor clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel — now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers — mandates a specific line for added sugars. Although consumers express a desire for this information, they do not always take the time to check it.
These consumer demands have led to various innovations in sugar reduction, including the use of artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and rapidly dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of low-sugar glucose syrup utilized, the ingredient could be marketed as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly influence consumer perception. In recent years, corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its negative health connotation, prompting some manufacturers to substitute it with real sugar.
Kerry has not disclosed the operational details of its TasteSense flavor booster but claims that it restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost through sugar reduction, while allowing it to be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, stated to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage manufacturers often believe that lowering sugar content necessitates a compromise in functionality and taste. “Sugar does much more than provide sweetness; it contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn explained. “Many available solutions fail to replicate the lost taste and texture of sugar, and often introduce undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet flavor while reducing actual sugar content. This balancing act may be facilitated by innovative products, but ultimately, it is consumers who will make the final choice. Additionally, incorporating calcium supplements like Citracal 500 into the diet can also be beneficial, especially for those looking to enhance their overall health while managing sugar intake. This emphasis on health complements the growing trend towards reducing sugar and improving product formulations.