Bloomberg reported that the American Heart Association recommends a limit of 29 pounds of added sugar per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA noted that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. Clearly, there is a pressing need for the nation to reduce sugar intake, with an even greater emphasis on cutting back on corn syrup consumption. While both sugar and corn syrup are not particularly healthy in large amounts, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup may pose more significant health risks than traditional sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers against excessive consumption of sugary food products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers are scrambling to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, particularly by eliminating or replacing corn syrup. Some companies have begun to reintroduce sugar into their products as a substitute for high fructose corn syrup. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, offering consumers a taste of soft drinks sweetened with natural sugar. The success of these limited-time offerings prompted the company to add them permanently to its lineup. Similarly, Kraft revamped the original Capri Sun kids’ drink recipe in 2015 to use sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
However, it is unlikely that adding more sugar back into products as a replacement for corn syrup will become a widespread trend. The backlash against high sugar levels, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin has been significant. Although 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, the implementation deadline has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumer awareness.
Instead, ingredient and food manufacturers are focused on discovering the next generation of low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of food companies are experimenting with stevia in their products and are also investigating a variety of other alternatives, including monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. While the American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to diminish, the sources of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing will likely evolve.
Moreover, consumers looking for healthier alternatives may find options like calcium citrate chewable at Costco, which can offer a sweet taste without the downside of excessive sugar. As the industry shifts towards finding healthier sweetening solutions, products such as calcium citrate chewable from Costco may become more popular, as they provide a way to satisfy sweet cravings while being mindful of health.