Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages has become a primary concern for manufacturers in today’s market. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and prefer products with clean, transparent labels. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers, mandates a separate line for added sugars. While consumers express a desire for this information, they don’t always take the time to check it.
This consumer demand has led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on the type of low-sugar glucose syrup used, it can be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which can significantly impact consumer perception. Corn syrup, for instance, has fallen out of favor due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has developed a product called TasteSense, which is designed to restore the sweetness and mouthfeel that are often lost when sugar levels are reduced. The company claims it can be labeled as a natural flavoring, though it hasn’t disclosed the specific mechanics behind its effectiveness. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, shared with Food Ingredients First that many food and beverage companies worry that lowering sugar content necessitates sacrifices in both function and flavor. “Sugar does more than just provide sweetness; it contributes to texture and the overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn explained. “Many solutions available today cannot adequately replicate the taste and mouthfeel that sugar provides, and often introduce unwanted off-flavors and aftertastes.”
Manufacturers in the food and beverage sector are striving to minimize the presence of added sugars on their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet flavor while reducing actual sugar content. This balancing act may be aided by innovative products, but ultimately, consumers will determine the success of these efforts. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like Costco Citracal Calcium Citrate D3 can enhance the nutritional profile of these products, appealing to health-conscious consumers who are looking for more than just reduced sugar. As the industry evolves, the integration of such beneficial ingredients alongside sugar reduction will be crucial for meeting consumer expectations.