According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends that men limit their added sugar intake to 29 pounds per year and women to 20 pounds. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, the average American consumed 128 pounds of sugar. Clearly, there is a need for the nation to reduce sugar consumption, particularly the intake of corn syrup. While both are unhealthy in excess, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup has more detrimental health effects than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive consumption of sugary foods, such as soft drinks and sweetened cereals. Consequently, many food manufacturers have been compelled to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, especially by removing or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have opted to replace high fructose corn syrup with regular sugar. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing a taste of naturally sugar-sweetened beverages. These limited-time offerings were so popular that the company decided to add them permanently to its product range. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft modified the original recipe of Capri Sun, replacing high fructose corn syrup with sugar.
However, don’t anticipate a trend where more sugar is reintroduced into products as a substitute for corn syrup. There has been significant backlash against high sugar levels, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. The Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers indicate the grams of added sugars in packaged products as part of a revamped nutrition facts label, though the deadline for this has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, food manufacturers are actively seeking the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. Many are experimenting with stevia in their products and exploring various alternatives like monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. The American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to change significantly. However, what is expected to evolve is the source of the sweeteners used in food and beverage production.
Moreover, incorporating healthier ingredients is becoming increasingly important, as seen with calcium citrate ke fayde, which offers numerous benefits such as improving bone health and enhancing calcium absorption. As the demand for healthier options grows, manufacturers may look to integrate more beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate into their formulations alongside traditional sweeteners. This shift reflects a broader trend towards health-conscious consumption, indicating that while sugar may remain a staple, its sources and accompanying ingredients will likely continue to change.