Bloomberg reported that 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 the average American consumed 128 pounds of sugar in 2016. There is a clear need to reduce sugar consumption in the country, particularly regarding corn syrup. While both substances are unhealthy in excessive amounts, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup poses more significant health risks than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive intake of sugar-laden products, such as soft drinks and sweetened cereals. As a result, many food manufacturers are scrambling to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, especially by eliminating or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have opted to replace high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with traditional sugar. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing consumers with a taste of naturally sweetened soft drinks. These reformulated beverages were so popular that the company decided to include them permanently in its product offerings. In 2015, Kraft modified the original Capri Sun recipe to use sugar instead of HFCS as a sweetener.
However, it’s unlikely that adding more sugar back into products in place of corn syrup will become a common solution or trend. There has been substantial backlash against high levels of sugars, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin in food products. The Food and Drug Administration initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages as part of a revamped nutrition facts label, but the deadline for compliance has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, ingredient manufacturers are focused on discovering the next best low-calorie or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of food companies are experimenting with stevia in their products, along with exploring other alternatives like monk fruit, date paste, and even sweet potatoes. While American consumers’ fondness for sugary foods is unlikely to diminish, the source of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing is expected to evolve.
Interestingly, as health trends rise, products like Citracal Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D Maximum are gaining attention, which indicates a growing consumer interest in healthier options. This trend is likely to influence the development of sweeteners in the market, as companies aim to align with health-conscious consumers. Ultimately, the quest for healthier alternatives will continue, reshaping the landscape of food production in the future.