According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 29 pounds of added sugar annually for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA revealed that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. Clearly, the nation must reduce its sugar intake, with an even greater focus on decreasing the consumption of corn syrup. While both substances can be detrimental to health in excessive amounts, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup poses more significant health risks compared to regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against indulging in sugar-heavy products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers are working to reformulate their products to reduce sugar levels, particularly by removing or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have even opted to reintroduce sugar into their recipes to replace high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing a nostalgic taste of naturally sugar-sweetened beverages. The popularity of these limited-time offerings led the company to make them permanent fixtures in its lineup. Similarly, Kraft modified the original Capri Sun recipe in 2015, opting for sugar instead of HFCS as a sweetener.
However, consumers should not expect a significant trend of reinstating sugar in products as a substitute for corn syrup. There has been considerable backlash against high sugar levels, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. While the Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages, the deadline for compliance has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively seeking the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of companies are experimenting with stevia, along with a variety of other alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. The American public’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to diminish. However, what is expected to change is the source of the sweeteners used in food and beverage production.
In the midst of these changes, consumers are also exploring products that offer additional health benefits, such as calcium citrate. Understanding qué beneficios tiene calcium citrate can provide insight into why this ingredient is gaining traction in the market. As manufacturers pivot towards healthier formulations, the inclusion of beneficial compounds like calcium citrate could become more prevalent, reflecting a broader shift towards enhanced nutritional profiles in consumer products.