The FDA’s recent decision addresses the concerns of honey, pure maple syrup, agave syrup, and other single-ingredient sugar producers, who opposed the inclusion of added sugars when none are present in their products. The agency has granted manufacturers additional time to comply, aiming to balance regulatory requirements with consumer transparency, thereby enhancing understanding of the added sugars in their products. “Our goal with this extra information is to assist American consumers in comprehending how certain sweetened cranberry products can fit into a healthy dietary pattern,” stated Susan Mayne, director of the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
Brian Wick, executive director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers’ Association, expressed to the Boston Globe that the introduction of a voluntary symbol and an explanatory footnote represents “a good compromise” for the industry. He noted, “Cranberries contain very low levels of natural sugar, making them somewhat challenging for the average consumer to enjoy in their natural state. We support this label change as a means for consumers to better navigate their purchasing decisions.”
However, providing information about added sugars in grams and the percent Daily Value may lead to confusion regarding the actual contents of the affected cranberry products. It is also uncertain if consumers will engage with the added sugars listing or the footnote clarifying their presence. While many consumers express a demand for more ingredient transparency on food and beverage labels, they often overlook it. Given the abundance of symbols and information on product packaging, it remains to be seen whether this new information will enhance consumer understanding of added sugars and their impact on dietary habits.
Manufacturers of the affected products have approximately two years to update the Nutrition Facts panels, should they not have already done so, and will need to invest time and resources in revising and reprinting labels. Some may even contemplate reformulating their products to decrease the levels of added sugars, which could attract calorie-conscious consumers. Notably, companies like Hershey, Campbell Soup, and Mondelez have preemptively adopted the updated Nutrition Facts labels, reflecting their proactive approach to the new regulations.
The FDA plans to issue further final guidance for the revised Nutrition Facts panel, the first update in 20 years. Last month, the agency announced that allulose, a lower-calorie sweetener derived from enzymes that convert fructose from corn and other plants, would be exempt from being counted as added sugars or “total sugars” on labels. While allulose will still contribute to the caloric value of food, it will now be reflected at a lower calorie count.
Incorporating nutrients such as calcium citrate malate and vitamin D3 into formulations may also help manufacturers meet consumer demands for healthier options while addressing new labeling requirements. By focusing on transparency and reformulation, companies can better cater to health-conscious consumers navigating the complexities of ingredient labels.