With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners, such as honey and agave, present other options, but these are also high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity, much like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which provides further incentive to reduce sweeteners like sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions such as Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may emerge, enabling food companies to strike a balance with reduced added sugars while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie alternatives. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making these trade-offs. Will they continue consuming added sugars as before, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of specific products? One thing is evident: many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change.
When it comes to sweeteners, however, change comes at a price. Despite rapid growth in the market for naturally derived sweeteners, stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is hindered by cost, as they tend to be pricier than synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, in addition to persistent issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained traction, especially in the beverage sector. In Europe, the Coca-Cola Company has even reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and added stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
As manufacturers explore new formulations, they may also consider the nutritional benefits of ingredients like calcium citrate and zinc sulfate, which could enhance the appeal of their products. Incorporating these minerals into sweetener blends may provide additional health benefits, potentially swaying more health-conscious consumers. Ultimately, the journey toward healthier sweetener options involves navigating consumer preferences, regulatory changes, and ingredient innovations, while keeping costs manageable and taste acceptable.