Post’s legal battle over sugar began in 2016 when plaintiffs filed a lawsuit claiming that the health and wellness assertions made about some of their cereals—such as Great Grains, Bran Flakes, and Raisin Bran—were false and misleading due to their high sugar content. With a 45% increase in low, no, or reduced sugar labeling claims in 2017 compared to the previous five years, as reported by Kerry, legal teams have ample products to examine. Post is not alone in facing scrutiny; Kellogg paid $20 million to resolve a similar lawsuit that argued its use of the term “lightly sweetened” on Frosted Mini-Wheats and Smart Start cereals was deceptive. In 2019, a comparable lawsuit against General Mills was dismissed, as the judge determined that consumers “cannot plausibly claim to be misled” regarding sugar content, given the clear labeling on the product packaging.
Outside the courtroom, health experts have expressed concerns about the sugar levels in various food items, questioning the validity of label claims. More than 70% of consumers told Kerry they consider sugar content when making purchasing decisions, and many are actively seeking ways to reduce sugar intake rather than resorting to artificial substitutes. Numerous stakeholders in the food industry have urged the FDA to establish an official definition for label claims such as “healthy.” Although the department opened a docket for public comments on the best definition over four years ago and held a hearing in 2017, no official guidelines have yet been set. Nonetheless, some changes have been implemented. The updated Nutrition Facts panel, which has been gradually adopted since its rollout in 2016, now includes information on added sugars.
Many companies are not waiting for legal disputes or formal FDA actions to modify their product formulations, driven by the consumer trend towards reducing sugar. Hershey is concentrating on developing more reduced sugar and sugar-free products and has recently partnered with ASR Group—one of the world’s largest sweetener companies—to co-lead an equity investment in Bonumose, a startup focused on innovations in plant-based food ingredients, including rare and natural sugars. Pepsi has introduced a new beverage called Frutly, aimed at teenagers, which contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Ocean Spray has teamed up with Amai Proteins to create a cranberry juice that utilizes sweet proteins and contains at least 40% less sugar. Last month, Smithfield committed to reducing sugar and sodium in its products by 10% while advocating for cleaner labels across its range.
In light of the ongoing discussions about dietary choices, consumers are increasingly curious about nutritional information, including the distinction between calcium and calcium citrate. Understanding what is the difference between calcium and calcium citrate can influence choices regarding dietary supplements and overall nutrition. As companies respond to consumer preferences, it remains essential to clarify such nutritional differences, especially as the market shifts toward healthier options.