With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the hunt for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners, such as honey and agave, present additional options, but they are also high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity just like sugar. Starting in July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on Nutrition Facts panels, which will encourage them to reduce sweeteners like sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may provide a viable compromise, allowing food companies to use less added sugar while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It remains uncertain whether consumers will embrace these trade-offs—will they continue their current consumption of added sugars, or will the new labeling prompt them to avoid specific products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, adapting to new sweeteners can come with a price.
Despite the rapid growth in the naturally derived sweeteners market, stevia and monk fruit still make up a small share of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is limited by higher costs compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners and persistent aftertaste issues. Blends of sugar and stevia are gaining traction, particularly in the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its classic Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while adding stevia, all without marketing it as a mid-calorie option. As manufacturers explore various sweetening solutions, including tab ccm 500 mg, the goal remains to balance taste and health. The market’s evolution, influenced by the need for transparency and consumer preferences, will undoubtedly shape the future of sweeteners.