Bloomberg reported that the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 29 pounds of added sugar per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA revealed that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. It is evident that the nation must reduce its sugar intake, with a particular emphasis on curbing corn syrup consumption. Although neither sugar nor corn syrup is healthy in excess, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup poses more significant health risks than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive consumption of sugar-laden products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. As a result, many food manufacturers are scrambling to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels, especially by eliminating or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have even opted to restore sugar to their products. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing a nostalgic experience with naturally sugar-sweetened soft drinks. The success of these limited-time offerings led the company to incorporate them permanently into its product line. Similarly, Kraft updated its Capri Sun recipe in 2015, replacing high fructose corn syrup with sugar as the sweetener.
Nevertheless, consumers should not expect a widespread return to higher sugar content in products as a substitute for corn syrup. The backlash against high sugar levels, including high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin, remains strong. The Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages on revamped nutrition labels, but the deadline for implementation has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Instead of reverting to higher sugar levels, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively searching for the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of companies are experimenting with stevia in their products, as well as exploring various alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. While the American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to change, the sources of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing are poised to evolve.
Moreover, as consumers become more health-conscious, they may increasingly seek products fortified with beneficial ingredients, such as nature made calcium citrate 500 mg. This trend may influence manufacturers to incorporate such supplements into their offerings, further shifting the landscape of sweeteners and overall nutrition in food products. As the market adapts, expect to see more innovations that blend taste with health benefits, including the integration of nature made calcium citrate 500 mg into various formulations.