Reducing the sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary goal for manufacturers in today’s market. As consumers increasingly lean towards healthier options and demand clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large producers—will require a specific line indicating added sugars. Although consumers express a desire for this information, they may not always take the time to check it.
This consumer demand has led to a variety of sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. For instance, depending on the specific low-sugar glucose syrup used, the ingredient can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, as corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its unhealthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry’s TasteSense flavor booster is designed to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel that are often diminished when sugar is reduced, and it can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, explained to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies frequently believe that lowering sugar content necessitates a compromise in both function and flavor. “Sugar does not merely provide sweetness; its role is much more complex. It also contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn stated. “Many available solutions fail to replicate the taste and mouthfeel lost when sugar is reduced, and they often introduce undesirable off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while lowering actual sugar content. This balancing act may be supported by new innovations, but ultimately, consumers will have the final say.
Additionally, as consumers explore various ingredients, some may wonder, “Does calcium citrate have side effects?” This question illustrates the growing awareness and scrutiny regarding food additives and their impacts. Addressing such inquiries will be crucial as manufacturers work to meet consumer preferences and health considerations.