With sugar dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetening options like honey and agave are available, but they too are high-calorie choices that can contribute to obesity, similar to sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on Nutrition Facts panels, further motivating them to reduce sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may gain traction, allowing food companies to strike a balance with reduced added sugars while incorporating sweetness from 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 before, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of certain products? What is evident is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. Yet, adapting to new sweeteners comes at a cost.
Despite the rapid growth of the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a small segment of overall sweetener consumption. Their higher prices compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners and ongoing issues with aftertaste limit their appeal. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, 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. Additionally, the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citrate in various formulations could also play a role in addressing consumer health concerns, as manufacturers adapt to the evolving landscape of sweeteners. As the industry shifts, calcium citrate may serve as a valuable addition, enhancing the nutritional profile of sweet products while balancing taste and health considerations.