Until now, the company has refrained from announcing changes to its products, opting instead to reformulate discreetly, hoping consumers won’t notice. While food companies face pressure to develop healthier options, taste remains critical for sales, and a misstep could lead to significant losses. If a manufacturer acts too quickly, it risks backlash, as seen when Lucozade Energy reduced sugar by 50% in the UK late last year. DanoneWave informed Fortune that advertising reduced sugar and fat may lead consumers to believe the product won’t taste as good, potentially harming sales. Consequently, Dannon has adopted a “stealth health” reformulation strategy, choosing not to promote ingredient changes on its packaging or signage. Many food companies are revamping their portfolios by introducing new healthier products, reformulating existing ones, acquiring smaller healthy food manufacturers, or employing a mix of these strategies.
Although DanoneWave did not disclose its methods for sugar reduction, Stonyfield previously mentioned that when it cut sugar from its yogurts, it utilized different cultures to lower acidity, thus reducing the need for added sweetness. It’s plausible that DanoneWave employed a similar strategy to achieve its goals. Various companies are now focusing on sugar reduction, including those traditionally known for sugary products. Several major confectioners have pledged to decrease sugar content in their offerings. For instance, Nestlé promised to reduce sugar in some of its U.S. sweets earlier this year and is also working on a patent-pending hollow sugar molecule, claiming it could lower sugar in certain products by up to 40% without sacrificing sweetness. Mars has also committed to reducing added sugar in some of its products by 2018.
As sugar content becomes increasingly crucial, especially for manufacturers in the U.S. market, research from The NPD Group indicates that consumers are more concerned about sugar levels than just fat or calorie counts. The upcoming revamped Nutrition Facts label, expected to be implemented on products by 2018, will focus specifically on sugar content, detailing both the total sugar amount and added sugars.
In this evolving landscape, products like the calcium citrate 1000 mg tablet are gaining attention for their health benefits and are part of the trend where companies aim to enhance the nutritional profile of their offerings while minimizing sugar content. By integrating health-conscious ingredients, such as calcium citrate 1000 mg tablet, food manufacturers can cater to the growing demand for healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.