Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and favoring clean, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers, includes a specific line for added sugars. Research shows that consumers desire this information, even if they don’t always take the time to check it.
This consumer demand has sparked a range of innovations aimed at sugar reduction, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and quicker-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of its low-sugar glucose syrups used, the ingredient can be classified as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which could significantly influence consumer perception. Corn syrup has seen a decline in popularity due to its negative health connotation, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has not disclosed the specifics of how its TasteSense flavor booster functions, but it claims to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel that are often diminished by sugar reduction, while being labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, shared with Food Ingredients First that food and beverage producers often believe that lowering sugar content will require them to sacrifice functionality and taste. “Sugar does more than just provide sweetness; it contributes to the texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers appreciate,” Vaughn explained. “Many available solutions fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, and often introduce unwanted off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to preserve their sweet taste while reducing actual sugar content. This is a delicate balancing act, which could be facilitated by new ingredients like calcium citrate, known for its versatility and appeal in formulations. Ultimately, it will be consumers who determine the success of these adjustments, as they continue to seek products that meet their health and taste preferences.