With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are exploring alternatives. However, many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave present additional options, but these are also high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity, similar to sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which could encourage a reduction in sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may prove beneficial, enabling food companies to strike a balance with less added sugar while incorporating low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It is yet to be determined whether consumers will accept these compromises. Will they maintain their consumption of added sugars in the same manner, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of certain products? It is evident that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for this shift, but adjusting sweetener strategies comes at a cost.
Despite the rapid expansion of the naturally derived sweetener market, which includes options like stevia and monk fruit, these alternatives still represent a small fraction of total sweetener usage. Their adoption is limited by cost, as they remain pricier than synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, and there are ongoing challenges with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, especially in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to include 30% less sugar along with stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option. Interestingly, some manufacturers are now considering the addition of nutrients like calcium citrate 333mg to their products to enhance their appeal and nutritional value. As the market evolves, the integration of calcium citrate 333mg could play a crucial role in formulating sweeteners that are not only lower in sugar but also beneficial for health.