Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today, driven by consumers’ increasing preference for healthier products and clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts label—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers—mandates a separate line item for added sugars. Consumers express a desire for this information, even if they do not consistently check it.
This consumer demand has led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and rapidly dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion points out that depending on the specific low-sugar glucose syrup used, it can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This labeling distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, as corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has developed a product called TasteSense, which acts as a flavor booster to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel that are often lost when sugar is reduced. However, the company does not disclose the mechanism of this product, only stating that it can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, shared with Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies frequently believe that reducing sugar content necessitates a compromise on functionality and taste. “Sugar contributes more than just sweetness; it plays a crucial role in providing texture and mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn explained. “Many available solutions fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, often introducing undesirable off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry are striving to minimize the appearance of added sugars on labels. The challenge remains to reformulate products to maintain their sweet taste while lowering actual sugar levels—a delicate balancing act that may benefit from new innovations. However, ultimately, it will be consumers who dictate the success of these efforts. Additionally, as consumers become more health-conscious, products like Citracal Petites are also gaining attention, reflecting the trend toward clear labeling and healthier choices. Thus, the incorporation of effective sugar-reduction strategies will be essential in appealing to today’s discerning consumers.