With sugar frequently making headlines for negative reasons, manufacturers are actively seeking alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetening options like honey and agave are available, yet these alternatives are also high in calories and can contribute to obesity similarly to sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, encouraging a reduction in sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may prove beneficial, enabling food companies to strike a balance by using less added sugar while incorporating low- and zero-calorie sweeteners for additional sweetness. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making compromises. Will they maintain their current consumption of added sugars, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to avoid specific products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, altering sweetener options comes with its own costs.
Despite the rapid expansion of the naturally derived sweeteners market, stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of total sweetener usage. Their adoption is hindered by higher prices compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners, as well as lingering issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have surged in popularity, especially in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its standard Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and added stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
As the industry shifts, it’s essential to consider how these changes can impact overall health, including aspects like citracal bone density. Maintaining strong bones is crucial, and as consumers navigate the evolving landscape of sweeteners, they should remain mindful of their overall dietary choices, including the potential benefits of citracal for bone density. As the conversation around sweeteners continues, finding the right balance between health and taste will be key, and citracal may play a significant role in this journey.