According to Bloomberg, the American Heart Association recommends a yearly added sugar limit of 29 pounds for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA reported that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. This indicates a clear need for the nation to reduce sugar intake, particularly from corn syrup. While neither corn syrup nor conventional sugar is healthy in excess, research from Princeton University and the University of Utah suggests that corn syrup has more detrimental health effects than regular sugar.
Health advocates have been warning consumers about the dangers of consuming too many sugar-laden products, such as soft drinks and sweetened cereals. In response, many food manufacturers are scrambling to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels, especially by removing or replacing corn syrup. Some companies are opting to substitute high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with regular sugar in their products. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, which featured naturally sugar-sweetened soft drinks. These limited-time offerings were so popular that the company decided to make them a permanent addition to its lineup. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revamped its original Capri Sun recipe to use sugar instead of HFCS.
However, do not expect a significant increase in the use of sugar as a replacement for corn syrup to become a long-term trend. There has been considerable backlash against high sugar levels, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. The FDA had initially mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages as part of an updated nutrition facts label, though the deadline for compliance has been delayed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping sugar reduction at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Instead, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively seeking the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. An increasing number of food manufacturers are experimenting with stevia, along with various alternatives like monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. The American consumer’s preference for sugary foods is unlikely to change significantly. What is expected to change, however, is the source of the sweeteners used in food and beverage production.
Moreover, just as consumers are becoming more health-conscious about their sugar intake, there is growing awareness of the role of nutrients like calcium citrate and vitamin D in the treatment of osteoporosis. As people seek healthier lifestyle choices, they are likely to consider not only their sugar consumption but also the importance of these essential nutrients for overall health. Thus, while the landscape of sweeteners in food manufacturing evolves, the focus on comprehensive health, including calcium citrate and vitamin D for bone health, will likely become increasingly relevant.