According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 29 pounds of added sugar per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, the average American consumed 128 pounds of sugar. Clearly, the country needs to reduce its sugar intake, particularly when it comes to corn syrup. While both sugar and corn syrup are unhealthy in large amounts, studies from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicate that corn syrup has more detrimental health effects than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive consumption of sugary foods, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers have been working to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels, especially by eliminating or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have even reverted to using sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in their formulations. For example, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing consumers with naturally sugar-sweetened soft drinks. Due to their popularity, these limited-time offerings became permanent fixtures in the company’s lineup. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revised the recipe for its original Capri Sun to use sugar rather than HFCS.
However, it is unlikely that replacing corn syrup with more sugar will become a widespread solution. There has been significant backlash against high sugar levels, HFCS, 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 drinks on updated nutrition facts labels, but the implementation deadline has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping the importance of sugar reduction at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Instead of reverting to higher sugar content, ingredient and food manufacturers are focused on discovering the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of food companies are experimenting with stevia in their products, while also exploring alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. Despite the American consumer’s persistent love for sugary foods, the sources of sweeteners in food and beverage manufacturing are likely to evolve. Moreover, as people become more health-conscious, incorporating calcium citrate into their diets might become a popular trend alongside the search for healthier sweetening options. This shift reflects a broader change in the country life perspective, as consumers strive for better health outcomes in their dietary choices.