Reducing sugar levels in food and beverages is a primary concern for manufacturers today. Consumers are increasingly leaning towards healthier options and favoring clear, transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which has been postponed until January 1, 2020, for larger manufacturers, mandates a specific line for added sugars. While consumers express a desire for this information, they don’t always take the time to check it.
These consumer demands have sparked a variety of sugar-reduction innovations, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers. Ingredion highlights that depending on which of its low-sugar glucose syrups is utilized, the ingredient can be identified as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or tapioca syrup. This distinction can significantly impact consumer perception, especially since corn syrup has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its negative health image, prompting some manufacturers to replace it with actual sugar.
Kerry has developed a product called TasteSense, which they claim restores the sweetness and mouthfeel lost from sugar reduction, and it can be labeled as a natural flavoring. Leigh Ann Vaughn, the company’s marketing director, shared with Food Ingredients First that food and beverage companies often believe that lowering sugar content necessitates sacrificing flavor and functionality. “Sugar doesn’t just contribute sweetness; its role is much more intricate. It also provides texture and overall mouthfeel that consumers enjoy,” Vaughn explained to Food Ingredients First. “Many existing solutions fail to fully replicate the taste and mouthfeel of sugar and often introduce unwanted aftertastes.”
Manufacturers in the food and beverage industry are striving to eliminate added sugars from their labels. The challenge lies in reformulating products to maintain their sweetness while lowering actual sugar content. This balancing act may be supported by innovative products, but ultimately, consumers will have the final say. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like the best calcium citrate 1200 mg can further enhance product appeal without compromising on health standards, making it a valuable consideration in reformulation efforts. By integrating the best calcium citrate 1200 mg, manufacturers can not only address sugar reduction but also bolster the nutritional profile of their offerings.