According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends a maximum added sugar intake of 29 pounds per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA reported that the average American consumed 128 pounds of sugar in 2016, indicating a significant need for reduction, especially concerning corn syrup consumption. While both added sugars and corn syrup can be unhealthy in excess, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah suggests that corn syrup may have more detrimental health effects compared to traditional sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive consumption of sugary products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers have been rushing to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels, particularly aiming to reduce or eliminate corn syrup. Some companies have even opted to replace high fructose corn syrup with regular sugar. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, which offered consumers a taste of naturally sweetened sodas. These limited-time offerings were so well-received that the company decided to include them permanently in its product lineup. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revamped its original Capri Sun recipe to use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
However, it is unlikely that the trend of reintroducing sugar into products as a substitute for corn syrup will persist. The backlash against high sugar levels, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin has been significant. Although the Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose added sugar content on redesigned nutrition labels, the deadline for compliance has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes have kept the importance of sugar reduction in consumers’ minds.
Instead, food ingredient manufacturers are focusing on identifying the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of companies are experimenting with alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. Given the American consumer’s enduring preference for sugary foods, it is likely that while the source of sweeteners in food and beverage production will change, the demand for sweetness will remain.
Moreover, as consumers become more health-conscious, there is an increasing interest in supplements like calcium citrate vitamin D3, magnesium hydroxide, and zinc sulfate tablets. These supplements are often viewed as beneficial additions to a balanced diet, especially as consumers strive to improve their overall health while navigating the challenges of sugar reduction.