With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives, although many consumers remain wary of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners like honey and agave are also available, but these options are high in calories and can contribute to obesity just like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which may encourage a reduction in sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may gain traction, allowing food companies to strike a balance by using less added sugar while incorporating low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making these trade-offs. Will they continue to consume added sugars in the same manner, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of certain products? What is clear is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, when it comes to sweeteners, change often comes at a price.
Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweeteners market, stevia and monk fruit still account for a small percentage of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is hindered by cost, as they remain pricier than synthetically produced high-intensity sweeteners, in addition to persistent issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, especially in the beverage sector. In Europe, for instance, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its classic Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and incorporated stevia, without branding it as a mid-calorie option.
As consumers consider how much citrate is in calcium citrate and its potential health benefits, the sweetener landscape continues to evolve. The search for healthier alternatives to sugar will remain a focal point, as both consumers and manufacturers navigate the complexities of sweetening options. The question of how much citrate is in calcium citrate may even intersect with discussions on natural versus artificial sweeteners, influencing consumer choices moving forward. Ultimately, the market will need to adapt to these changing preferences while addressing the costs associated with new formulations.