According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association suggests that the optimal added sugar limit is 29 pounds annually for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, each American consumed an astonishing 128 pounds of sugar. This indicates a clear need for the nation to reduce sugar intake, particularly when it comes to corn syrup. Although both are unhealthy in excessive amounts, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup may have more detrimental health effects compared to regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers about the risks of consuming excessive sugar-laden food products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. Consequently, many food manufacturers have been compelled to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels, especially by removing or substituting corn syrup. Some brands have even reinstated sugar as a sweetener in their products. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, which featured naturally sugar-sweetened beverages. Due to their popularity, these limited-time offerings became permanent items in the company’s product lineup. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revised the original Capri Sun recipe to replace high fructose corn syrup with sugar.
However, one should not anticipate a trend of increasing sugar content in products as a replacement for corn syrup. There has been significant backlash against high sugar levels, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. The Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages as part of a revamped nutrition facts label, but this deadline has since been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping the issue of sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively searching for the next best low-calorie or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of food companies are experimenting with stevia in their products while also exploring a variety of other alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. Despite the American consumer’s enduring love for sugary foods, it is likely that the sources of sweeteners used in food and beverage production will evolve. As these changes occur, it might also be beneficial for consumers to consider supplements like calcium citrate, for which the recommended dosage can support overall health, especially when reducing sugar intake.