Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning toward healthier options and appreciate clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers, mandates a specific line for added sugars. While consumers express a desire for this information, they do not always check it.
These evolving preferences have led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor boosters. Ingredion highlights that the labeling of its low-sugar glucose syrups can vary based on the type used, whether it’s glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which can significantly impact consumer perception. Corn syrup has fallen out of favor lately due to its unhealthy reputation, prompting some manufacturers to substitute real sugar instead.
Kerry, on the other hand, does not elaborate on the functionality of its Tense flavor booster product but claims it restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost when sugar is reduced, allowing it to be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, commented to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage producers often believe that lowering sugar content necessitates sacrificing flavor and texture. “Sugar contributes not only sweetness but also texture and mouthfeel that consumers cherish,” Vaughn remarked. She added, “Many solutions currently available fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, and often introduce undesirable off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels while reformulating products to maintain sweetness with lower actual sugar levels. This balancing act could be facilitated by these new innovations. However, as always, it will ultimately be consumers who decide what products succeed in the market.
In this context, the best calcium citrate tablets in India have also gained attention as consumers seek healthier dietary supplements that align with their goals of reducing sugar intake while ensuring they receive essential nutrients. By integrating these dietary supplements, consumers can enhance their overall health without compromising on taste or quality. As the market continues to evolve, the best calcium citrate tablets in India may play a crucial role in supporting a balanced diet amidst the trend of sugar reduction.