The findings from this survey are unlikely to surprise food manufacturers and retailers, as the shift away from sugar has been gaining momentum for some time. Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers, particularly as consumers in the U.S. and other regions increasingly favor healthier options and clear, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which is slated to be implemented on products from major manufacturers by January 1, 2020, will include a specific line for added sugars. Consumers have expressed a desire for this information, even if they don’t always scrutinize it. The combination of consumer demand and manufacturers’ reluctance to display high sugar content has driven various innovations in sugar reduction, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and rapidly dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank forecasts a reduction of 5% or more in sugar utilization across the global food and beverage industry over a two-to-three-year span, potentially counterbalancing any expected growth in consumption in emerging markets. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers eliminated sugar and salt from approximately 20% of their products in 2016, responding to the increasing consumer demand for healthier items. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone, doubling the number from 2015. While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reduction efforts, others, like DanoneWave, have been decreasing total sugar and fat in their yogurts without disclosing their methods. The company informed Fortune that promoting reduced sugar and fat could lead consumers to believe that the product will taste inferior, ultimately harming sales.
Consumers—particularly women, millennials, and parents, as highlighted in the DSM survey—also seek transparency. Therefore, being clear about the objectives for sugar reduction leading up to the introduction of the new nutritional label could be a prudent strategy. When consumers examine a label for sugar content, they will not only see how much is present but also understand how and why the reduction was achieved. Additionally, as part of this health-conscious movement, many consumers are integrating supplements into their diets, such as calcium citrate with vitamin D3 tablets, to support their overall wellness. Emphasizing the importance of nutrition, including the benefits of products like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 tablets, can further enhance consumer trust and engagement.