With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are exploring alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave offer additional options, yet they are also high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity, similar to sugar. Starting July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, creating further motivation to reduce sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may provide a middle ground, allowing food companies to reduce added sugars while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie sweeteners.
It is uncertain whether consumers will be willing to make compromises. Will they maintain their current consumption of added sugars, or will the new nutritional labels prompt them to avoid certain products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are preparing for change. However, adapting to new sweeteners comes at a cost. Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of total sweetener usage. Their higher prices compared to synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, along with persistent issues related to aftertaste, limit their adoption. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, especially in the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, Coca-Cola reformulated its regular Sprite, reducing sugar by 30% and incorporating stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
In the midst of these changes, consumers might also consider supplements like 500 mg calcium chews, which could play a role in their overall health strategy. As the market evolves, the introduction of such products alongside sweeteners may influence consumer choices and dietary habits significantly. Ultimately, the interplay between sweetener alternatives and health supplements, including 500 mg calcium chews, will shape the future landscape of food and nutrition.