Bloomberg reported that the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 29 pounds of added sugar per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA noted that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. It is evident that the nation needs to reduce its sugar intake, particularly when it comes to corn syrup. Research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup poses greater health risks than regular sugar when consumed in large amounts.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers about the dangers of overindulging in sugary products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers have been scrambling to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, especially by eliminating or replacing corn syrup. Some companies have even reverted to using sugar in place of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). For example, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing consumers with a naturally sweetened soft drink option. Due to the positive reception of these reformulated drinks, the company decided to keep them in their product range permanently. Similarly, Kraft modified its Capri Sun drink recipe in 2015 to use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.
However, it is unlikely that the trend of adding more sugar back into products as a substitute for corn syrup will become a long-term solution. There has been considerable backlash against high sugar levels, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin. The Food and Drug Administration had initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged goods as part of an updated nutrition facts label, but the implementation deadline has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, food ingredient manufacturers are busy searching for the next best low-calorie, “natural,” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of companies are experimenting with stevia, along with other alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. While the American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to diminish, the source of sweeteners in food and beverage production is expected to evolve. This shift may also include options like calcium citrate, which can provide health benefits alongside reduced sugar content, as consumers become more health-conscious. Ultimately, the landscape of sweeteners may change as manufacturers seek to cater to a more informed public.