With sugar making headlines for various negative reasons, manufacturers are actively searching for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetness sources like honey and agave are also available, though these high-calorie options can contribute to obesity just like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which may spur the reduction of sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose could offer food companies a way to strike a balance by using less added sugar while still achieving sweetness with low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. Whether consumers will be open to making compromises remains uncertain. Will they continue to consume added sugars in the same manner, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to avoid specific products? It is evident that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, shifting to new sweeteners often comes with a financial burden.
Despite the rapid expansion of the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a small fraction of total sweetener consumption. Their growth is hindered by higher prices compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners, as well as lingering issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, particularly in the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, Coca-Cola has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar while adding stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option. As manufacturers consider these changes, they might also explore the inclusion of products like Citracal Calcium D3 Slow Release 1200, which could provide health benefits alongside sweetener alternatives. Ultimately, the interaction between sweeteners and consumer preferences will shape the future landscape of the sweetener market.