With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are actively searching for alternatives. However, many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetening options like honey and agave are also available, but these are high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity just like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which will provide additional motivation to reduce sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may prove beneficial, allowing food companies to find a balance by using smaller amounts of added sugars while incorporating low- and zero-calorie sweeteners.
It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making compromises. Will they continue to consume added sugars as before, or will the new nutritional information labels encourage some to steer clear of certain products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, transitioning to different sweeteners often comes with a price. Despite the rapid expansion of the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is hindered by cost, as they remain pricier than synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, as well as persistent issues related to aftertaste.
Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, particularly in the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while adding stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option. In this evolving landscape, the introduction of products like calcium CCM tablets may also provide consumers with additional health benefits, making it essential for manufacturers to adapt their offerings accordingly. As the market shifts, the integration of low-calorie sweeteners alongside products like calcium CCM tablets could become a common strategy, aiming to meet both consumer demand and health considerations.