As sugar continues to dominate headlines for negative reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical of artificial sweeteners. Natural sweeteners, like honey and agave, are also available but 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 incentivize them to reduce the use of sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may become more prominent, enabling food companies to compromise by using less added sugar while still providing sweetness through low- and zero-calorie sweeteners.
It remains uncertain whether consumers will be open to making these trade-offs. Will they continue consuming added sugars as they have in the past, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of specific products? One thing is evident: many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, adapting to new sweeteners does come at a price. Despite significant growth in the market for naturally derived sweeteners, such as stevia and monk fruit, they still represent a small fraction of overall sweetener usage. Their adoption is hampered by higher costs compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners and lingering issues with aftertaste.
Blends of sugar and stevia are gaining traction, especially in the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and added stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option. Meanwhile, as consumers become more health-conscious, they might also be interested in other dietary supplements, such as the best calcium citrate tablets, to support their overall health. Ultimately, the sweetener landscape is evolving, and consumers will need to navigate these changes while considering their health choices, including the potential benefits of supplements like calcium citrate.