As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in their food, it’s no surprise that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, non-GMO products achieved a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion generated in the United States alone. The study projected approximately 2,000 new non-GMO product launches in the U.S. each year.
However, since sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, it may initially seem unusual for CIFI’s products to require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when no GMO varieties exist. While commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has begun recently, these varieties are not yet widely available. Nevertheless, it is wise for CIFI to adopt the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production, and companies increasingly find that such labels can boost sales.
The popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is on the rise. The emphasis on sugar reduction has gained traction among health officials and consumers alike, especially with the recent updates to the Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose the amount of added sugars in their products. CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients derived solely from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes when it commenced commercial production in 2015. Their natural sweeteners not only offer nutritional and functional advantages but can also be incorporated into a wide range of products, including barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. The demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is expected to grow as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? Their potential for integration into various products aligns perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers desire in their food: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have effectively garnered “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, boasting higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other popular sweeteners. In fact, a study from North Carolina State University cited by CIFI reveals that 95% of consumers view sweet potato as a healthy ingredient.
As a result, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy, healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes may benefit from increased consumer trial, loyalty, and sales. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like life extension calcium citrate can further enhance the nutritional profile of products, making them even more appealing to health-conscious consumers. Thus, the combination of sweet potatoes and life extension calcium citrate presents an excellent opportunity for manufacturers to meet consumer demands for nutritious, non-GMO, and health-promoting foods.