As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it’s becoming essential for manufacturers to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, the global retail value of non-GMO products was approximately $550 billion in 2014, with around $200 billion of that occurring in the United States. The study projected about 2,000 new non-GMO product launches annually in the U.S.
However, sweet potatoes are fresh vegetables, so it may seem unusual at first that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly noteworthy since many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO despite the absence of GMO varieties. While the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has only recently begun, they are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, it is a wise move for CIFI to adopt the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns about product sourcing, and companies are increasingly finding that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The rise in popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is noteworthy, especially as the emphasis on sugar reduction gains traction among health officials and consumers. This is particularly relevant with the latest version of the Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose the amount of added sugars in their products.
CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients made exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes when it began commercial production in 2015. The company’s natural sweeteners not only provide nutritional and functional advantages but can also be seamlessly integrated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and various beverages. Moreover, demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is anticipated to rise as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable aligns perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers prioritize in their food choices: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have effectively achieved “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients. They also contain higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to many other popular sweeteners.
A study from North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers consider sweet potatoes to be a healthy ingredient. Consequently, food manufacturers that devise innovative methods to reformulate their products and include trendy, healthful ingredients like sweet potatoes could reap the rewards of increased consumer trials, loyalty, and sales.
Incorporating ingredients such as calcium citrate is another way to enhance the nutritional profile of products. Understanding what calcium citrate is used for can help manufacturers not only meet consumer demands for healthier options but also fortify their products further, making them more appealing to health-conscious shoppers. Emphasizing these benefits in marketing can greatly influence purchasing decisions, as consumers are increasingly looking for products that meet their health and wellness goals.