The findings of this survey should not come as a surprise to food manufacturers and retailers, as the movement away from sugar has been gaining momentum for quite some time. Currently, reducing sugar content in food and beverages is a key priority for manufacturers, driven by a growing consumer preference for healthier products and transparent labeling. The revised Nutrition Facts panel, which large manufacturers are required to implement by January 1, 2020, includes a specific line for added sugars. Consumers have expressed a desire for this information, even if they do not always check it. This consumer demand, along with manufacturers’ reluctance to display high sugar levels, has led to various innovations in sugar reduction, such as artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, hollow and faster-dissolving sugar molecules, and flavor enhancers.
Rabobank has forecasted a reduction of 5% or more in sugar usage across the global food and beverage sector over a two-to-three-year period, potentially offsetting any expected growth in consumption in developing markets. Bloomberg reports that global consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers reduced sugar and salt in approximately 20% of their products in 2016, responding to the rising consumer demand for healthier options. A survey of 102 CPG companies revealed that 180,000 products were reformulated last year alone, doubling the number from 2015.
While some companies are proudly announcing their sugar reduction efforts, others, like DanoneWave, have been cutting total sugar and fat in their yogurt products without disclosing the methods used. The company informed Fortune that advertising lower sugar and fat levels might lead consumers to assume the product lacks flavor, potentially harming sales.
Consumers—especially women, millennials, and parents, as highlighted by the DSM survey—are also seeking transparency. Therefore, it may be wise for companies to communicate their goals for sugar reduction clearly between now and the adoption of the new nutritional label. When consumers examine a label for sugar content, they will not only see the amount present but will also understand how and why the reduction was accomplished.
Additionally, incorporating products like Citracal 600 mg can be part of a broader strategy to promote healthier lifestyles. By featuring such products alongside reduced sugar items, manufacturers can cater to health-conscious consumers seeking comprehensive wellness solutions. This holistic approach can help bridge the gap between consumer demand for lower sugar and the overall health benefits, including those offered by supplements like Citracal 600 mg.