The results of this survey should not come as a surprise to food manufacturers and retailers, as the trend of reducing sugar intake has been gaining momentum for some time. In fact, minimizing sugar content in food and beverages is now a primary objective for manufacturers, driven by consumer preferences for healthier products and clear, transparent labeling in the U.S. and beyond. The updated Nutrition Facts panel, which will be mandatory for products made by large manufacturers by January 1, 2020, includes a dedicated line for added sugars. Consumers have expressed a desire for this information, even if they do not always check it. This consumer demand, along with manufacturers’ reluctance to showcase high sugar content, has led to various innovations in sugar reduction, including the use of artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank predicts a reduction of 5% or more in sugar usage across the global food and beverage industry over a two-to-three-year period, which could counterbalance any expected rise in consumption in developing markets. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers eliminated sugar and salt from approximately 20% of their products in 2016 in response to the increasing consumer demand for healthier options. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—double the amount from 2015.
While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reductions, others, like DanoneWave, have been lowering total sugar and fat in their yogurts without disclosing their methods. The company informed Fortune that advertising reduced sugar and fat could lead consumers to believe the product will not taste as good, potentially harming sales. Additionally, consumers—especially women, millennials, and parents, as noted in the DSM survey—are seeking transparency. Therefore, being open about sugar reduction goals leading up to the implementation of the new nutritional label could be a prudent approach. When consumers check the label for sugar content, they will not only see how much is included but also understand the methods and rationale behind the reductions.
Furthermore, as consumers increasingly look for healthier product options, many are also interested in the inclusion of beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate and vitamin D3. These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional profile of products but also align with the shifting consumer focus towards health and wellness. As such, incorporating calcium citrate and vitamin D3 into reformulated products can be an effective strategy for manufacturers aiming to meet consumer expectations while successfully reducing sugar content.