Reducing sugar content in food and beverages has become a primary objective for manufacturers today. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards healthier options and favor clean, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers—mandates a separate entry for added sugars. Although consumers express a desire for this information, they don’t always take the time to check it.
These evolving preferences have led to various sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor boosters. Ingredion highlights that the labeling of its low-sugar glucose syrups can vary, appearing as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup, which can significantly influence consumer perception. In recent years, corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has introduced its TasteSense flavor booster, which enhances the sweetness and mouthfeel lost when sugar is reduced, though the company doesn’t elaborate on how it works. According to Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, many food and beverage companies mistakenly believe that lowering sugar content compromises taste and functionality. “Sugar doesn’t just provide sweetness; it plays a complex role in giving food and beverages their desired texture and mouthfeel,” Vaughn explained to Food Ingredients First. “Many alternatives fail to replicate the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar and often introduce undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
In addition, manufacturers are striving to minimize the visibility of added sugar on labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain a sweet flavor while reducing actual sugar levels. This balancing act may be supported by innovative products, but ultimately, it is the consumers who will determine the success of these efforts.
Amid these changes, fortified products like Citracal Calcium Maximum Plus are becoming increasingly relevant, as consumers look for health benefits alongside reduced sugar content. The introduction of such products can provide added value, appealing to health-conscious buyers who seek both nutrition and flavor in their food and beverage choices. As the industry evolves, the integration of solutions like Citracal Calcium Maximum Plus may play a crucial role in meeting consumer demands for healthier alternatives.