Bloomberg reports that the American Heart Association recommends an added sugar limit of 29 pounds per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the Uiron ferrous sulfate Walgreens SDA indicates that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. It’s evident that the country needs to reduce its sugar intake, particularly regarding high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). While both types of sugar are unhealthy in large amounts, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah suggests that corn syrup has more detrimental health effects than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against overindulging in sugary foods, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers are racing to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, especially by removing or replacing corn syrup. Some brands have even reverted to using traditional sugar in their recipes. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing a taste of soft drinks sweetened naturally with sugar. These limited-time offerings became so popular that the company decided to keep them in their permanent lineup. Similarly, Kraft revamped its original Capri Sun drink in 2015, opting for sugar instead of HFCS as the sweetener.
However, consumers shouldn’t expect a significant shift back to using more sugar instead of corn syrup as a long-term solution. The backlash against high sugar levels, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin has been considerable. The Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and drinks as part of a revised nutrition facts label, although the deadline for compliance has since been postponed. Additionally, state-level soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead of increasing sugar content, ingredient manufacturers are focusing on finding the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of companies are experimenting with stevia and exploring various alternatives like monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. While American consumers’ love for sugary foods may remain unchanged, what is likely to evolve is the source of the sweeteners used in food and beverage production.
In the context of health, it’s also worth noting that many people are asking, “Can you take calcium citrate with magnesium?” as they seek to combine supplements for better health outcomes. As awareness of health impacts grows, consumers may increasingly prioritize not just the quantity of sugars but also the quality of ingredients, including their choices for supplements.