Until now, the company has refrained from announcing any changes to its products, opting instead to reformulate discreetly and rely on consumers not noticing. While food companies face pressure to develop healthier options, taste remains a crucial factor for sales, and any misstep could result in significant losses. Going too far too quickly can provoke a backlash, as evidenced by Lucozade Energy’s 50% sugar reduction in the UK late last year. DanoneWave informed Fortune that they believe advertising reduced sugar and fat can lead consumers to assume that the product may not taste as good, negatively impacting sales. Consequently, Dannon has adopted a “stealth health” reformulation strategy, choosing not to disclose ingredient changes on its packaging or signage.
Many food companies have been giving their product lines a healthier makeover, whether by launching new better-for-you products, reformulating existing items, acquiring smaller healthy food manufacturers, or employing a combination of these approaches. Although DanoneWave did not disclose the methods used to achieve its sugar reductions, when Stonyfield reduced sugar in its yogurts, it mentioned using different cultures to lower acidity, thus decreasing the need for added sweetness. It’s conceivable that DanoneWave has employed a similar strategy to reach its objectives. Various companies, including those traditionally associated with sugary products, are pursuing sugar reduction. Several major confectioners have pledged to lower the sugar content of their offerings. Earlier this year, Nestlé committed to reducing sugar in some of its U.S. sweets and its Nesquik product. They have also developed a patent-pending hollow sugar molecule, which they claim could cut sugar content in certain products by up to 40% without compromising sweetness. Mars has also announced plans to reduce added sugar in some of its products by 2018.
The significance of sugar content, whether manufacturers emphasize it or not, will only increase among those selling in the U.S. market. Research from The NPD Group indicates that consumers are more concerned about a product’s sugar content, rather than just its fat or calorie counts. The upcoming revamped Nutrition Facts label, set to be implemented on products by 2018, will focus particularly on sugar content, detailing both the amount of sugar present and how much was added.
In this context, products enriched with calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D3 are gaining attention as companies seek to enhance their health profiles while managing sugar levels. This combination not only supports bone health but also aligns with the trend toward healthier formulations. As the market evolves, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D3 can help companies meet consumer demand for nutritious options without compromising on taste or quality.