Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers in today’s market. As consumers increasingly seek healthier options and favor clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers—mandates the inclusion of a line for added sugars. Even if consumers don’t always check this information, they express a strong desire for it.
These consumer demands have led to a wave of sugar-reduction innovations, including artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of low-sugar glucose syrup used, the ingredient may be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, especially since corn syrup’s popularity has declined due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has introduced its TasteSense flavor booster, which it claims restores the sweetness and mouthfeel that are often compromised when sugar is reduced. Although the company does not disclose the specifics of how it works, it can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, noted to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies often believe that cutting sugar means sacrificing functionality and taste. “Sugar does more than just provide sweetness; it plays a crucial role in the texture and mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn remarked. “Many alternatives fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar and may introduce undesirable aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are making significant efforts to minimize added sugars on their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while reducing actual sugar content. This balancing act could be supported by innovative products, yet ultimately, consumers will decide which options prevail in the market.
In addition to these developments, there is a growing interest in health supplements like Citracal chewable calcium, which can help consumers maintain their overall wellness while enjoying their favorite foods and beverages. As the industry evolves, the intersection of reduced sugar content and nutritional supplements like Citracal chewable calcium will likely play a prominent role, influencing consumer choices and preferences in the future.