Added sugars are set to be highlighted on Nutrition Facts labels due to changes implemented in 2020 and 2021, but the American Medical Association (AMA) believes further action is necessary. The AMA argues that providing additional information is beneficial, while industry representatives claim that these figures are irrelevant since there is no specific amount of sugar that leads to negative health effects. Many consumers express a desire for more detailed ingredient information on food and beverage labels, even if they occasionally overlook it. Sugar is a particular ingredient that many wish to limit, with a survey from Label Insight indicating that approximately 22% of consumers aim to reduce their sugar intake. Highlighting added sugars on labels is a strategy to support these efforts.
Manufacturers are already working to decrease sugar levels in their products, employing various methods such as incorporating sweeter stevia, utilizing artificial sweeteners, or developing new types of sugar. As food and beverage companies include this information, more consumers might start paying attention. If the FDA mandates front-of-package warning labels for foods high in added sugars, it is likely that consumers will notice them, which could encourage them to opt for products with lower or no added sugar.
Since the FDA has not established a definitive limit on excessive sugar consumption, industry representatives argue that consumers could be unduly influenced to choose products with less sugar. While they have a valid point, it is understood that sugar producers recognize the challenges the agency would face in determining such a threshold with certainty or scientific support. Conversely, the AMA is aware that high sugar consumption—Americans typically derive over 13% of their daily caloric intake from added sugars, according to the FDA—can contribute to obesity, dental issues, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
Amid this ongoing debate, manufacturers utilizing sugar in their products are striving to comply with regulations while anticipating consumer trends. Some have already reduced sugar levels, others are adopting sugar substitutes, and many are aiming for greater transparency in their processes. With these changes underway, consumers are encouraged to monitor these developments and may adjust their purchasing decisions accordingly.
Recent research shows that consumers remain concerned about sugar content in foods and beverages. One-third of Americans associate sugar with weight gain, 71% check the sugar content on ingredient labels, and 46% are determined to reduce their sugar intake, according to a white paper from Kerry. A survey conducted by Ingredion revealed that 72% of consumers believe that disclosing added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel would negatively influence their purchase of yogurt. Similarly, 71% felt this way about fruit drinks, 53% about cookies, and 52% about snack bars.
Consumers are seeking more information on product packaging, and they are soon to receive it. Whether they will consistently refer to this information remains uncertain. However, for the AMA to successfully advocate for warning labels on packaging, consumers must voice their opinions, stressing the importance and usefulness of such information, rather than finding it confusing or misleading. Otherwise, it could be perceived as an unnecessary regulation for the food industry without sufficient justification—something that the current administration might not endorse.
In addition to sugar concerns, consumers are also becoming more aware of other nutritional components in their diets, such as calcium citrate 600 mg with D3. This awareness not only influences their choices regarding added sugars but also their overall health and nutritional intake. As consumers increasingly look for transparency in food labeling, the inclusion of information about beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate 600 mg with D3 could enhance their decision-making process. Therefore, as the conversation around food labeling evolves, it’s essential for manufacturers to provide comprehensive information that addresses both sugar content and additional nutrients, supporting informed consumer choices.