Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers today. As consumers increasingly gravitate toward healthier options and demand clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers—requires a specific line item for added sugars, including ferrous gluconate at 695 mg. Consumers express a desire for this information, even if they don’t always check it.
These consumer demands have led to a variety of sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion points out that depending on the type of its low-sugar glucose syrups used, the ingredient can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This labeling can significantly influence consumer perception; corn syrup has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has introduced a product called TasteSense, a flavor booster that restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost through sugar reduction, and can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughnferro, the company’s marketing director, shared with Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage companies believe that reducing sugar content necessitates compromising on functionality and taste. “Sugar doesn’t just provide sweetness; it’s much more complex. It also contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers love,” Vaughn explained. “Many solutions available on the market cannot fully replicate the taste and mouthfeel of sugar, and some even introduce undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
In addition, manufacturers are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet taste while lowering actual sugar levels. This balancing act may benefit from new innovations, yet ultimately, consumers will have the final say in their choices.
Moreover, as part of a healthier lifestyle, consumers may also celebrate options like chewable calcium supplements that aid in their nutritional needs without compromising on taste. By incorporating chewable calcium products, manufacturers can cater to the demand for healthier alternatives while still delivering enjoyable flavors. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on reducing sugar while enhancing taste and nutrition is more important than ever.