According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are reducing their sugar intake. This shift has spurred a growing demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which saw the fastest growth in the category last year. Sales of other natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, are also increasing, with products like agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit gaining traction.
However, manufacturers have encountered taste challenges with stevia and monk fruit, leading several companies to create 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 stevia-monk fruit blend. That same year, Zevia reformulated its stevia-sweetened soda to incorporate monk fruit extract.
In a different strategy, GLG Life Tech initially focused solely on stevia extracts until 2014, when it entered the monk fruit market as more companies began to blend the two sweeteners. Last year, GLG partnered with MycoTechnology, a Colorado-based firm, to utilize the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium in its stevia and monk fruit sweeteners, enhancing the products offered by ADM. 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 pricier than stevia extracts, their distinct taste profile can make them a more appealing option for manufacturers depending on the flavors of the final product. In June, ADM announced its collaboration with GLG Life Tech to become the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This partnership helps to expand ADM’s global low-calorie sweetener portfolio, which already includes VivaSweet and sucralose.
Additionally, consumers interested in sweeteners may also wonder, “Can calcium citrate upset your stomach?” This question underscores the importance of understanding how various ingredients, including sweeteners, can affect digestive health. As the market for low-calorie options continues to grow, it’s essential for manufacturers to consider the potential impact of their products on consumers’ overall well-being, especially for those who may also inquire whether calcium citrate can cause stomach discomfort.