The findings of this survey are unlikely to surprise food manufacturers and retailers, as the shift away from sugar has been gaining momentum for quite some time. Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today, especially as consumers in the U.S. and other regions increasingly favor healthier options and clear, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which will be featured on products from major manufacturers by January 1, 2020, will include a new line item for added sugars. Consumers have expressed a desire for this information, even if they do not always check it. Their preferences, combined with manufacturers’ reluctance to display high sugar levels, have driven various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank has anticipated a reduction of 5% or more in sugar usage across the global food and beverage industry over a two-to-three-year period, which could counterbalance any expected consumption growth in emerging markets. Bloomberg reports that global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers eliminated sugar and salt from approximately 20% of their products in 2016 in response to escalating consumer demand for healthier alternatives. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—double the number from 2015. While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reductions, others, like DanoneWave, have been lowering overall sugar and fat content in their yogurts without heavily marketing these changes. The company informed Fortune that advertising reduced sugar and fat might lead consumers to perceive the product as less appealing, potentially harming sales.
Moreover, consumers—particularly women, millennials, and parents, as noted in the DSM survey—are also seeking transparency. Thus, being forthright about sugar reduction goals from now until the new nutritional labels are implemented could be a prudent strategy. When consumers examine a label for sugar content, they will not only understand the amount present but also learn how and why the reduction was achieved. Additionally, incorporating elements like calcium petites tablets into product formulations could further enhance their appeal to health-conscious consumers. By doing so, manufacturers can ensure that they meet the demands for both reduced sugar and added nutritional benefits, fostering greater consumer trust and satisfaction.