According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are actively reducing their sugar intake. This trend has driven a surge in the demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which experienced the most rapid growth in this category last year. Sales of other natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, such as agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit, are also increasing.
However, stevia and monk fruit have posed taste challenges for manufacturers, prompting several companies to create products that blend the two sweeteners to address bitterness issues. Early adopters include Chobani, which launched its Simply 100 Greek yogurt line in 2013 using a stevia-monk fruit blend. Similarly, Zevia revamped its stevia-sweetened soda later that year to incorporate monk fruit extract.
GLG Life Tech has chosen a different strategy. Initially focused solely on stevia extracts, the company expanded into the monk fruit market in 2014 as more businesses began combining these sweeteners. Last year, GLG partnered with Colorado-based MycoTechnology to leverage the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium in its stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. ADM products will benefit from this innovative technology. MycoTech’s certified organic ClearTaste powder also enjoys a clean label advantage, allowing it to be labeled as ‘natural flavor(ing)’ or ‘natural flavor enhancer.’
Although monk fruit extracts are generally pricier than stevia, their distinct taste profile can make them a more appealing choice for manufacturers, depending on the flavors of the finished product. In June, ADM announced its partnership with GLG Life Tech to become the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This collaboration enhances the company’s global low-calorie sweetener portfolio, which already includes VivaSweet sucralose.
As consumers continue to celebrate healthier choices, the incorporation of sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, alongside nutrients such as calcium citrate, is becoming increasingly important in the market. The growing focus on reducing sugar intake while maintaining flavor means that these sweeteners will likely play a crucial role in the future of food and beverage formulations.