With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners, such as honey and agave, present other options, but these high-calorie choices can contribute to obesity similarly to sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which will further motivate them to reduce sweeteners like sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may offer food companies a way to strike a balance by using a smaller amount of added sugars while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making such trade-offs. Will they continue consuming added sugars as they have, or will the new nutritional information labels prompt some to steer clear of certain products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, adapting to new sweetener options often comes at a cost.
Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweeteners market, stevia and monk fruit still account for a relatively small share of total sweetener consumption. Their usage is hindered by cost, as they remain more expensive than synthetic high-intensity sweeteners, along with persistent issues related to aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia are gaining popularity, particularly in the beverage sector. In Europe, Coca-Cola has even reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and added stevia without branding it as a mid-calorie option.
Additionally, as manufacturers explore new formulations, they might consider incorporating beneficial supplements like calcium citrate malate, vitamin D3, and folic acid tablets. These ingredients not only enhance the nutritional profile but may also appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for added value in their purchases. Ultimately, as the landscape of sweeteners evolves, the integration of such supplements could play a significant role in attracting a broader audience.