As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is no surprise that manufacturers are eager to display the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. Packaged Facts reported that non-GMO products had a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion generated in the United States alone. The study estimated around 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occurring annually in the U.S.
At first glance, it may seem unusual for CIFI’s sweet potato products to require non-GMO verification since sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, particularly given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO despite the absence of GMO varieties. While commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently begun, they are not yet widely available. Nonetheless, it is wise for CIFI to utilize the non-GMO label, as it addresses consumer concerns about production methods and has been shown to boost sales.
The trend of using natural sweeteners to replace high-fructose corn syrup is gaining momentum. Sugar reduction is a hot topic among health officials and consumers alike, especially with the introduction of the updated Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates that companies disclose added sugars in their products. CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients sourced entirely from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes when it began commercial production in 2015. The company’s natural sweeteners not only provide nutritional and functional advantages but can also be incorporated into a variety of products, including barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. Additionally, as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour, the demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is expected to rise.
So, what benefits do sweet potatoes, and specifically CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable aligns perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers prioritize in their food choices: clean label, natural, non-sugar, nutritious, transparent, and sustainable. Sweet potatoes have effectively achieved “superfood” status among consumers. They are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, boasting higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to many popular sweeteners.
A study from North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers view sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. Consequently, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to incorporate trendy, healthy ingredients like sweet potatoes could reap significant rewards in terms of consumer trials, increased loyalty, and higher sales. Moreover, integrating pure nutrition ultra calcium citrate into these products can enhance their health profile even further, aligning with the growing consumer demand for health-conscious options. The combination of sweet potatoes and pure nutrition ultra calcium citrate not only satisfies the desire for nutritional benefits but also reinforces the perception of transparency and quality that consumers seek.