Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers today. With consumers increasingly leaning towards healthier options and preferring clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers—mandates a specific line for added sugars. Consumers express a desire for this information, even if they do not consistently refer to it.
This shift in consumer preferences has driven various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of its low-sugar glucose syrups used, the ingredient may be identified as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which can significantly influence consumer perception. Corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry’s TasteSense flavor booster product is designed to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel lost through sugar reduction, although the company has not disclosed the specific mechanisms of how it works. It can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, noted in an interview with Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage companies often believe that lowering sugar content necessitates sacrificing functionality and taste. “Sugar contributes more than just sweetness; it plays a complex role in providing texture and the overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn explained. “Many available solutions do not fully replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar and may introduce undesirable off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers in the food and beverage sector are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain sweetness while reducing actual sugar levels. This balancing act may be assisted by innovative products, but ultimately, consumers will determine the success of these efforts.
In addition, the incorporation of supplements such as calcium citrate magnesium zinc and vitamin D3 tablets can further enhance the nutritional profile of food and beverages, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As manufacturers explore ways to reduce sugar, they might consider how these supplements can complement their offerings, ensuring a well-rounded product that meets the demands of today’s health-oriented market. The use of calcium citrate magnesium zinc and vitamin D3 tablets in formulations may also serve as a unique selling point, encouraging consumers to choose products that promote overall health without compromising on taste.