Health trends are steering consumers towards healthier food and beverage options that feature lower sugar content and fewer artificial sweeteners. Campaigns such as the recent “month without sugar” and state-imposed soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness. Although the Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged products as part of a revamped nutrition facts label, the compliance deadline has been postponed. Nevertheless, major food and beverage companies are actively working to decrease sugar and other sweeteners in their formulations or are opting for healthier, natural substitutes.
For instance, Nestle has developed a method to naturally restructure sugar molecules, allowing for a reduction in the quantity consumed. The confectionery giant plans to introduce this new sugar in its products by 2018, enabling the company to use up to 40% less sugar while maintaining the desired sweetness. Similarly, Stonyfield, the leading U.S. organic yogurt producer, recently announced plans to cut added sugars by up to 40% in some of its product lines. Soda manufacturers have also begun offering smaller can sizes and more low-calorie options, with many opting for sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit as alternatives to sugar. Coca-Cola, Dr Pepper Snapple, and PepsiCo have all pledged to lower the calorie content from sugary beverages consumed by Americans by 20% before 2025.
Companies such as Pyure are swiftly introducing various stevia-based products as consumer preferences shift away from sugar. Stevia naturally boasts 300 times the sweetness of sugar, while containing no calories and scoring zero on the glycemic index. This natural strength allows brands to use significantly less of the ingredient. For example, Unilever is incorporating stevia into its products to reduce sugar levels without sacrificing taste or mouthfeel. According to Bloomberg, global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers reduced sugar and salt in approximately 20% of their offerings in 2016, responding to the rising consumer demand for healthier options. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone—double the amount from 2015. If this trend persists, which all signs suggest it will, the adverse impact on the sugar market predicted in Rabobank’s report could indeed materialize.
In the context of dietary supplements, consumers are also comparing options like GNC Calcium Plus vs Calcium Citrate, as they seek products that align with their health goals. This growing trend towards health-conscious choices is indicative of a broader shift in consumer behavior, where the focus on nutritional value and ingredient transparency is becoming increasingly important. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, the demand for alternatives like GNC Calcium Plus vs Calcium Citrate will likely grow, reflecting an overarching desire for better-for-you products across various categories.