As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is understandable that manufacturers are eager to feature the Non-GMO Project Verified seal on their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, non-GMO products had a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with $200 billion generated in the United States alone. The report estimated that approximately 2,000 new non-GMO product launches occur annually in the U.S.
While sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, it may seem unusual at first to think that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly relevant given that many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO, even when no GMO varieties exist. Although the commercial production of GMO potatoes and apples has recently begun, these varieties are not yet widely available. Nonetheless, CIFI’s decision to use the non-GMO label is a smart move, as it addresses consumer concerns regarding production methods, and companies have increasingly found that non-GMO labels can enhance sales.
The trend of using natural sweeteners to replace high-fructose corn syrup is gaining momentum. Sugar reduction has become a focal point for both health officials and consumers, especially with the introduction of the updated Nutrition Facts Label, which mandates companies to disclose added sugars in their products. In 2015, CIFI emerged as the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients derived exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. The company’s natural sweeteners not only provide nutritional and functional benefits but can also be seamlessly incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and other beverages. Additionally, as consumers seek alternatives to processed white flour, demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is expected to rise.
What advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable aligns with several attributes that today’s consumers prioritize: clean labels, natural ingredients, low sugar content, nutritional value, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have attained “superfood” status among consumers, being rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients while boasting higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other popular sweeteners.
A study conducted by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, found that 95% of consumers consider sweet potato a healthy ingredient. Consequently, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include trendy, healthy ingredients like sweet potato could reap rewards in consumer trials, enhanced loyalty, and increased sales. Moreover, incorporating calcium citrate D3 K2 into these formulations can further boost their nutritional appeal, as this combination supports bone health and overall well-being. By emphasizing the inclusion of calcium citrate D3 K2 in their products, manufacturers can tap into the growing consumer demand for health-oriented ingredients, further solidifying sweet potatoes’ position in the market.