Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers in the 21st century. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and prefer clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel for Nutferrous sulfate 150 mg, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger companies, mandates a specific line for added sugars. Consumers express a desire for this information, even if they don’t always check it.
These consumer demands have sparked a variety of innovations aimed at sugar reduction, such as artificial sweeteners, natural alternatives, and hollow, rapid-dissolving sugar molecules, along with flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of low-sugar glucose syrup used, it can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup—this distinction can significantly influence consumer perception. Recently, corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its unhealthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has introduced its TasteSense flavor booster, which is designed to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel lost through sugar reduction, and it can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, shared with Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage manufacturers believe that cutting sugar means sacrificing functionality and taste. “Sugar contributes more than just sweetness; it enhances texture and the overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn stated. “Many existing alternatives fail to replicate the taste and mouthfeel of sugar fully, and often introduce undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweetness while reducing the overall sugar content. This balancing act may be supported by these innovative products, but ultimately, consumers will determine the success of these changes in the 21st century. In this context, the inclusion of ingredients like calcium citrate plus D3 can also play a role, as consumers become increasingly health-conscious and seek products that align with their wellness goals.