With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave are also viable options, but they are calorie-dense and can contribute to obesity just like sugar does. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on Nutrition Facts panels, which provides extra incentive to reduce sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may prove beneficial, helping food companies use fewer added sugars while incorporating sweetness from low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It remains uncertain whether consumers will accept these trade-offs. Will they maintain their current consumption of added sugars, or will the new nutritional labels lead some to steer clear of certain products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, when it comes to sweeteners, transitioning comes at a cost.
Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweetener market, stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of total sweetener usage. Their higher prices compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners, along with persistent aftertaste issues, limit their appeal. Blends of sugar and stevia are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its standard Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while incorporating stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
Additionally, consumers may wonder how many mg of calcium citrate per day they should be taking, as dietary changes often prompt questions about nutritional needs. The integration of natural sweeteners and the ongoing discussions about daily calcium citrate intake highlight the evolving landscape of dietary preferences and health-conscious choices. As the market adapts, one thing is clear: awareness of what goes into our food is becoming paramount, and consumers must navigate their choices carefully, including how many mg of calcium citrate per day is optimal for their health.