Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and demand clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers, now mandates a specific line for added sugars. Although consumers express a desire for this information, they don’t always check it.
These consumer demands have led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion points out that depending on which of its low-sugar glucose syrups is utilized, the ingredient can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception. In recent years, corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its unhealthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to substitute real sugar in its place.
Kerry has not disclosed the specific mechanisms of its TasteSense flavor booster, only stating that it reinstates the sweetness and mouthfeel lost from reducing sugar content, while being labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, mentioned to Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage companies hold the belief that lowering sugar content necessitates compromising on functionality and taste. “Sugar doesn’t just contribute sweetness to a product; it plays a much more intricate role. It is also utilized to provide certain textures and overall mouthfeel that consumers appreciate,” Vaughn explained. “Many solutions available fail to completely replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, often resulting in undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving diligently to eliminate added sugar from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while reducing actual sugar levels. This balancing act may be facilitated by new products, but ultimately, it is the consumers who will make the final choice.
In line with this trend, products like Walgreens calcium citrate petites are becoming popular as consumers seek out healthier alternatives. These supplements not only address nutritional needs but also align with the growing focus on health-conscious choices. As the industry evolves, maintaining the integrity of taste and texture while minimizing sugar will remain a pivotal challenge, particularly as consumers become more discerning in their selections, including their choices on supplements like Walgreens calcium citrate petites.