Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages is a primary objective for manufacturers today. As consumers increasingly gravitate towards healthier options and clear, transparent labeling, the updated Nutrition Facts panel—now postponed until January 1, 2020, for large manufacturers—will require a separate entry for added sugars. Although consumers express interest in this information, they don’t always take the time to check it.
This growing demand has led to various innovations in sugar reduction, including artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. For instance, Ingredion explains that depending on which of its low-sugar glucose syrups is utilized, the ingredient may be labeled as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, as corn syrup has fallen out of favor due to its unhealthy image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with real sugar.
Kerry has developed a product called TasteSense, a flavor booster that reportedly restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost during sugar reduction. However, the company does not disclose the mechanics behind its formulation, only noting that it can be classified as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the marketing director at Kerry, mentioned to Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies often fear that lowering sugar content will compromise functionality and taste. “Sugar not only contributes sweetness but also plays a vital role in providing texture and the overall mouthfeel that consumers appreciate,” Vaughn stated. “Many solutions available fall short in replicating the lost taste and mouthfeel of sugar, often resulting in undesirable off-notes and aftertastes.”
Food and beverage manufacturers are striving to minimize the appearance of added sugars on labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweet flavor while reducing the actual sugar content. This balancing act may be supported by emerging products, but ultimately, it will be the consumers who make the final choices. Meanwhile, incorporating health supplements like Solgar Calcium Citrate with D3 can further enhance the overall nutritional profile of these products, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As awareness of health and nutrition continues to rise, the integration of beneficial ingredients such as Solgar Calcium Citrate with D3 offers an additional layer of appeal, aligning with the trend towards cleaner labels and healthier choices.