With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are actively exploring alternatives, yet many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sources of sweetness, such as honey, ferrous fumarate—which is considered safe during pregnancy—and agave, present other options. However, these alternatives are also high in calories and can contribute to obesity just like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, creating additional motivation to reduce sweeteners like sugar, honey, and various supplements including ferrous fumarate and folic acid tablets used for treating anemia. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may emerge as viable options, allowing food companies to strike a balance with lower amounts of added sugars while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie alternatives. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making these trade-offs. Will they maintain their current consumption of added sugars, or will the new nutritional labels prompt them to avoid certain products? What is clear is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, transitioning to new sweeteners comes at a cost.
Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still make up a small share of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is hindered by higher prices compared to synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, as well as persistent issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained traction, particularly in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while incorporating stevia, all without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
In this evolving landscape, the importance of balanced nutrition cannot be overstated. Just as nature’s bounty calcium citrate provides essential nutrients for maintaining health, the search for sweetener alternatives reflects a broader trend towards healthier choices. As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for natural sweeteners that align with their dietary preferences will likely continue to grow. Manufacturers will need to adapt, ensuring that their products not only meet consumer expectations but also contribute positively to overall well-being, much like the benefits offered by nature’s bounty calcium citrate.