Regardless of its presentation, fruit juice is frequently perceived as a sugary drink option. Fruits naturally contain high levels of sugar, and 100% fruit juice can have sugar content comparable to that of soda. In various non-100% juice Capri Sun varieties, sugar is often the second ingredient listed, right after water. Images of the Nutrition Facts labels reveal that these products can contain up to 13 grams of sugar, including 11 grams of added sugars. However, a version sweetened with monk fruit reduces this to an average of 8 grams of total sugars, with 5 grams coming from added sugars, according to Kraft Heinz. These updated juice pouches are expected to be available in August, featuring packaging that emphasizes their lower sugar content in comparison to other juice boxes aimed at children.
Monk fruit, which is indigenous to China, is exceptionally sweet. According to the International Food Information Council, monk fruit sweeteners are 150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar, necessitating much smaller quantities. This sweetener contains zero calories, does not contribute to tooth decay, and is safe for individuals with diabetes. The FDA has designated several monk fruit-derived sweeteners as generally recognized as safe, making them available to consumers and in food products. It remains stable when heated and can be utilized in baked goods, though it is most commonly added to beverages. Monk fruit may have an aftertaste similar to that of melon rind and is often blended with other natural sweeteners, such as stevia, allulose, and erythritol, to improve taste.
According to Monk Fruit Corp., this sweetener can be found in over 2,000 consumer packaged goods (CPG), including gelato and coffee drinks. Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio mentioned in his remarks accompanying Wednesday morning’s earnings report that the transition to monk fruit also shields the company from unpredictable sugar markets, which is crucial given the inflation and supply chain challenges driving prices higher. A statement indicated that Capri Sun’s reformulation was a response to parents’ concerns about sugar levels in kids’ juice boxes, a significant hurdle for the category. However, this change has broader implications for the juice market and CPG products overall. Some items incorporate alternative sweeteners, while others undergo discreet reformulation, often without consumer awareness.
The extensive and prominently announced reformulation of one of the leading juice box brands draws significant attention to the rationale behind these changes. If a prominent brand like Capri Sun, produced by a giant like Kraft Heinz, can successfully reformulate to reduce added sugars, it could motivate other CPG companies to explore alternative sweeteners. If the taste experience of the revamped Capri Sun remains similar and parents continue to purchase it, this reformulation demonstrates that sugar reduction is achievable.
Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate 950 could further enhance the nutritional profile of these products. Calcium citrate is known for its benefits in improving calcium absorption and may serve as an appealing addition to the reformulated juice options. By integrating such ingredients, brands can address health concerns while still appealing to consumer preferences.