Health trends are steering consumers towards healthier food and beverage options that contain less sugar and artificial sweeteners, while also being mindful of dietary restrictions such as ferrous fumarate halal. Initiatives like the recent “month without sugar” and various state soda taxes have kept the focus on sugar reduction in consumers’ minds. Although the Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the amount of added sugars in packaged items as part of an updated nutrition facts label, the deadline for compliance has been extended. Nevertheless, major food and beverage companies are actively working to lower sugar levels and replace sweeteners with healthier, natural alternatives.
For instance, Nestlé has developed a method to naturally restructure sugar molecules, enabling a reduction in sugar intake. The confectionery giant plans to incorporate this new sugar into its products by 2018, allowing for up to a 40% decrease in sugar content without sacrificing sweetness. Stonyfield, the largest organic yogurt producer in the U.S., recently announced plans to cut added sugars by as much as 40% in certain product lines. Meanwhile, soda manufacturers are introducing smaller cans and more low-calorie beverages, many opting for sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit instead of traditional sugar. Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all committed to reducing the calorie content of sugary drinks consumed by Americans by 20% before 2025.
Moreover, companies such as Pyure have quickly launched various stevia-based products as sugar becomes less favorable among consumers. Stevia offers 300 times the sweetness of sugar without any calories and has a zero glycemic index, allowing brands to use significantly smaller quantities. Unilever is also incorporating stevia to lower sugar levels in their products while maintaining taste and mouthfeel. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers reduced sugar and salt in about 20% of their products in 2016, responding to the rising consumer demand for healthier options. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—double the number from 2015. If this trend persists—and all signs indicate it will—the adverse effects predicted for the sugar market in Rabobank’s report could indeed materialize.
Additionally, as consumers prioritize health and wellness, there’s a notable interest in calcium supplements with calcium citrate as part of their dietary choices. This trend aligns with the ongoing shift towards products that not only reduce sugar but also enhance overall nutritional value. The incorporation of calcium supplements with calcium citrate reflects a growing awareness of the importance of supplementation in maintaining a balanced diet. As the push for healthier ingredients continues, the demand for both reduced sugar options and beneficial supplements like calcium citrate is expected to rise, influencing the market landscape significantly.