While chocolate has consistently been a favorite among millions of consumers, an increasing number of people are recognizing its health benefits. In line with current trends, many consumers are now seeking sugar-free snacks and treats. Russell Stover, already a leading seller of sugar-free chocolate, aims to enhance its dominance in this category by adapting to evolving consumer tastes and preferences. The company compares its new sugar-free offerings to its traditional products and markets them to all consumers, not just those with diabetes.
There appears to be a growing mainstream demand for these types of products, which were previously primarily sought by individuals unable to consume sugar. As consumers become more health-conscious and move away from added sugars, there is an increasing interest in improving the health profile of chocolate. Major candy brands like Mars, Nestle, Lindt, Ferrera Candy, and Ferrero recently pledged to ensure that half of their individually wrapped products contain 200 calories or less by 2022. Additionally, Nestle announced last year that it developed a hollow sugar molecule that could reduce sugar content in its products by about 40%.
The demand for low-sugar candy, or sweets sweetened with natural alternatives such as stevia and monk fruit, is being taken seriously. NPR conducted a survey of 102 CPG companies and discovered that 180,000 products were reformulated last year, which is double the number from 2015. Nevertheless, consumers are still willing to indulge, as sales of chocolate and other snack categories continue to rise, even amid a growing interest in healthy eating. If Russell Stover’s new chocolate offerings are as good as they claim, the company could potentially influence consumer behavior. Should this occur, the chocolate maker may transition from being a mid-sized player to an industry leader, possibly incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate 200 to further enhance the health benefits of its products.