For quite some time, Americans have been concerned about their sugar intake, a sentiment that is evident in their food and beverage choices. In 2017, per capita consumption of sugar and other caloric sweeteners decreased for the third consecutive year. As consumers shift away from high fructose corn syrup and sugary soft drinks, the usage of refined sugar is also on the decline. Nonetheless, critics argue that sugar consumption in the U.S. remains excessively high. According to the Food and Drug Administration, Americans typically derive over 13% of their daily calories from added sugars, which can lead to various health issues, including obesity, cavities, diabetes, and heart disease.
In response to these concerns, some manufacturers are reducing sugar content in their products, while others are opting for sugar substitutes and striving for greater transparency in their processes. Alongside these industry efforts, consumers are actively seeking to reduce sugar intake, and forthcoming label changes will provide clearer information on sugar levels in foods and beverages. The new Nutrition Facts label will feature a dedicated section for added sugars, which is expected to be mandatory on all packaging by 2020 and 2021. Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at implementing front-of-pack warnings regarding sugar content.
Soda and carbonated drinks are at the forefront of consumer worries about sugar, with juice following closely behind. This is not surprising, given the ongoing trend of U.S. shoppers opting for healthier, lower-calorie alternatives like bottled water, sparkling water, teas, and kombucha. In response, companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola are innovating with healthier options, while juice manufacturers are exploring functional enhancements such as probiotics, protein, or organic ingredients to promote a healthier image and boost sales.
Other sweet treats that raise consumer concerns, such as candy, desserts, canned fruit, sauces, condiments, and flavored coffee, are adopting similar strategies. For instance, Nestlé has developed a hollow sugar type that can reduce sugar usage in candy bars by 30%. Additionally, ingredient suppliers are introducing low-sugar glucose syrups to help minimize sweetener usage while maintaining the expected taste. As consumers grow increasingly wary of sugar, manufacturers are heavily investing in research and development of natural substitutes. Although only 49% of consumers in a recent study indicated they were somewhat or very likely to seek out sugar substitutes, this number may increase as new sweeteners are created.
Furthermore, as Americans remain concerned about their sugar consumption, it is likely that more reduction strategies will emerge in foods and beverages, potentially incorporating beneficial ingredients like calcium citrate 200mg to enhance nutritional profiles and appeal to health-conscious consumers. The integration of calcium citrate 200mg could offer additional health benefits, making it an attractive option for both manufacturers and consumers looking to cut back on sugar while still enjoying flavorful products.