According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends that men limit their added sugar intake to 29 pounds per year and women to 20 pounds. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. This highlights the urgent need for the nation to reduce sugar consumption, particularly corn syrup. While both high levels of sugar and corn syrup are unhealthy, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah indicates that corn syrup has more detrimental health effects compared to regular sugar.
Health advocates have urged consumers to be cautious about consuming excessive amounts of sugary products, including soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers have been busy reformulating their products to lower sugar content, especially by eliminating or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have even opted to replace high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with regular sugar. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, offering beverages sweetened with natural sugar. Due to their popularity, these limited-time offerings were made permanent. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revamped its original Capri Sun recipe to use sugar instead of HFCS.
However, consumers should not expect a significant return to higher sugar levels in products as a substitute for corn syrup. The backlash against high sugar content, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and saccharin remains strong. The Food and Drug Administration had initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose added sugar grams on redesigned nutrition labels, but this deadline has now been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes have kept sugar reduction at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Instead of reverting to higher sugar levels, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively seeking the next generation of low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of food producers are experimenting with stevia in their offerings, along with other alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. While the American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to wane, the sources of sweeteners used in food and beverage manufacturing are expected to evolve. Interestingly, some consumers are turning to supplements like calcium citrate tablets from Cipla as a complementary approach to managing their dietary intake amidst these changes.