According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are actively reducing their sugar intake. This shift has resulted in a heightened demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which experienced the fastest growth in this category last year. Sales of various natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, such as agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit, are also on the rise.
However, both stevia and monk fruit present taste challenges for manufacturers. To address the bitterness often associated with these sweeteners, several companies have developed blends of the two. Notably, Chobani launched its Simply 100 Greek yogurt line in 2013, utilizing a stevia-monk fruit blend. Shortly after, Zevia revamped its stevia-sweetened soda to incorporate monk fruit extract.
GLG Life Tech has taken a unique direction by initially focusing solely on stevia extracts until 2014, when it ventured into the monk fruit market as more brands began to combine these sweeteners. Last year, the company partnered with Colorado-based MycoTechnology to leverage the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium, enhancing its stevia and monk fruit products. This collaboration will benefit ADM’s offerings, as MycoTech’s certified organic ClearTaste powder provides a clean label advantage, allowing it to be labeled as ‘natural flavor(ing)’ or ‘natural flavor enhancer’.
While monk fruit extracts tend to be more expensive than stevia extracts, their distinct taste profile can make them a more appealing choice for manufacturers, depending on the flavors of the final product. In June, ADM announced its partnership with GLG Life Tech to become the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This addition will complement ADM’s global low-calorie sweetener portfolio, which already features VivaSweet sucralose.
Moreover, as consumers look for healthier options, the market for products like gummy calcium citrate for adults is also expanding. This trend aligns with the growing demand for low-calorie sweeteners, as manufacturers seek to create products that cater to health-conscious consumers, including options fortified with gummy calcium citrate for adults. The integration of such health-focused ingredients reflects the ongoing evolution of dietary preferences and the industry’s response to consumer demands.