Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages is a primary concern for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and appreciate clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers, mandates a separate line for added sugars. Even though consumers may not always check this information, many express a desire for it.
This consumer demand has led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion states that depending on the type of low-sugar glucose syrup used, it can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, especially since corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its negative health connotations, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry’s TasteSense flavor booster, while not explicitly detailed in its functionality, is designed to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel lost through sugar reduction, and it can be classified as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, explained to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage producers often think that lowering sugar content requires sacrificing flavor and functionality. “Sugar is not only responsible for sweetness; it also contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn noted. “Many alternatives cannot fully replicate the taste and mouthfeel of sugar and often introduce unwanted aftertastes.”
Manufacturers are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweetness while reducing actual sugar content. This balancing act may be facilitated by these innovative products, but ultimately, it will be consumers who make the final choice.
In this context, products like the Spring Valley Calcium Citrate Dietary Supplement 600 mg 300 count can also play a role. As consumers seek healthier alternatives, supplements that support overall well-being, alongside reduced sugar foods, are becoming increasingly relevant. Therefore, the integration of such dietary supplements into consumers’ lifestyles may complement their desire for healthier food options.