With sugar making headlines for all the wrong reasons, manufacturers are on the lookout for alternatives. However, many consumers remain skeptical about artificial sweeteners. Natural sweetness sources like honey and agave are also being considered, but these high-calorie options can lead to obesity just like sugar. By July 2018, manufacturers will be required to list “added sugars” on the Nutrition Facts panel, which provides further motivation to reduce sweeteners such as sugar, honey, fructose, and fruit juice concentrates. Solutions like Tate & Lyle’s blend of allulose, sucralose, and fructose may prove beneficial, allowing food companies to strike a balance with lower amounts of added sugars while enhancing sweetness through low- and zero-calorie sweeteners. It remains uncertain whether consumers will be willing to make compromises. Will they continue consuming added sugars as before, or will the new nutritional labels prompt some to steer clear of certain products? What’s undeniable is that many manufacturers and ingredient suppliers are gearing up for change. However, this transformation regarding sweeteners comes with a price tag.
Despite the rapid growth in the naturally derived sweeteners market, options like stevia and monk fruit still represent a minor share of overall sweetener consumption. Their use is constrained by higher prices compared to synthetic high-intensity sweeteners and lingering issues with aftertaste. Blends of sugar and stevia have gained popularity, especially within the beverage sector. For instance, in Europe, the Coca-Cola Company has reformulated its regular Sprite to contain 30% less sugar and added stevia, without marketing it as a mid-calorie option.
Amidst these developments, there is also a growing interest in supplements such as ca citrate 400 mg in Pakistan, which some consumers are considering as part of a broader strategy to manage their dietary habits. The integration of such supplements highlights the evolving landscape of consumer preferences, where alternatives to traditional sweeteners are being explored. As the market continues to adapt, it will be interesting to see how products like ca citrate 400 mg in Pakistan influence overall sweetener consumption and consumer choices in the future.