Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers today. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards healthier options and demand clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers—will require a separate line for added sugars. While consumers express a desire for this information, they may not always check it.
This growing demand has led to various sugar-reduction innovations, including artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, and enhanced sugar substitutes that dissolve more quickly, as well as flavor boosters. Ingredion highlights that depending on the specific low-sugar glucose syrups used, these ingredients can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which can significantly impact consumer perception. Corn syrup, in particular, has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its unhealthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has not disclosed how its TasteSense flavor booster works, only noting that it compensates for the sweetness and mouthfeel lost when sugar is reduced, and can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, explained to Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage companies believe that lowering sugar content requires sacrificing functionality and taste. “Sugar doesn’t just impart sweetness; it contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn stated. “Many solutions available do not fully replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, and some even introduce undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on labels. They are reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while reducing actual sugar levels. This balancing act may be supported by new products, but ultimately, consumers will make the final choice. Notably, as consumer preferences evolve, products like Kirkland calcium zinc supplements may gain popularity among health-conscious individuals seeking alternatives that align with their dietary goals while managing sugar intake.