According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are actively reducing their sugar intake. This trend has resulted in a growing demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which experienced the fastest growth in this category last year. Sales of other natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, such as agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit, are also increasing. However, stevia and monk fruit have posed taste challenges for manufacturers, prompting several companies to develop products that combine both sweeteners to address bitterness issues. Early adopters included Chobani, which launched its Simply 100 Greek yogurt line in 2013 featuring a blend of stevia and monk fruit. Later that year, Zevia reformulated its stevia-sweetened soda to incorporate monk fruit.
GLG Life Tech has taken a different path. Initially focused solely on producing stevia extracts, the company entered the monk fruit market in 2014 as more businesses began combining the two sweeteners. Last year, GLG partnered with Colorado-based MycoTechnology to leverage the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium for its stevia and monk fruit products, enhancing their appeal. The ADM products will benefit from this innovative technology. MycoTech’s certified organic ClearTaste powder boasts a clean label advantage, allowing it to be labeled as ‘natural flavor(ing)’ or ‘natural flavor enhancer.’
While monk fruit extracts tend to be more expensive than stevia extracts, their unique taste profile can make them a more appealing choice for manufacturers, depending on the flavor requirements of the final product. In June, ADM announced its partnership with GLG Life Tech to become the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This collaboration enriches ADM’s global portfolio of low-calorie sweeteners, which already includes VivaSweet sucralose.
It’s worth noting that consumers with specific health concerns, such as calcium citrate kidney disease, should consider the implications of using various sweeteners. The presence of certain ingredients can impact their health, making it essential for manufacturers to provide clear information on formulations. As the market for low-calorie sweeteners continues to evolve, the integration of innovative solutions like those from MycoTechnology may help address taste and health considerations, including the needs of individuals managing conditions like calcium citrate kidney disease.