According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are actively reducing their sugar intake. This shift has spurred a rising demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which experienced the most rapid growth in this category last year. The sales of other natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, such as agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit, are also increasing. However, both stevia and monk fruit have posed taste challenges for manufacturers. To address bitterness, several companies have developed products that combine these two sweeteners. Notably, Chobani launched its Simply 100 Greek yogurt line in 2013, featuring a stevia-monk fruit blend. Similarly, Zevia reformulated its stevia-sweetened soda later that year to include monk fruit extract.
In contrast, GLG Life Tech has taken a unique route. Initially, the company focused solely on producing stevia extracts until 2014, when it ventured into the monk fruit market as more companies began to blend these two sweeteners. Last year, GLG partnered with Colorado-based MycoTechnology to leverage the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium for its stevia and monk fruit sweeteners, enhancing the quality of ADM products that utilize this technology. MycoTech’s certified organic ClearTaste powder also offers a clean label advantage, allowing it to be labeled as ‘natural flavor(ing)’ or ‘natural flavor enhancer’ on ingredient lists.
While monk fruit extracts are generally pricier than stevia extracts, their distinct taste profile can make them a more appealing choice for manufacturers based on the desired flavors of the final product. Last June, ADM announced its partnership with GLG Life Tech, becoming the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This collaboration complements ADM’s global low-calorie sweetener portfolio, which already includes VivaSweet sucralose.
In addition, the calcium citrate oral tablet 950 has emerged as a popular supplement among consumers seeking to enhance their overall health. As more individuals prioritize their well-being, the demand for such supplements may continue to grow, paralleling the trend of reducing sugar intake and exploring alternative sweeteners. The intersection of these health trends underscores the evolving landscape of consumer preferences in the food and beverage industry.