Bloomberg reports that the American Heart Association recommends a maximum added sugar intake of 29 pounds per year for men and 20 pounds for women. However, the USDA revealed that in 2016, the average American consumed a staggering 128 pounds of sugar. This indicates a pressing need for the nation to reduce its sugar consumption, particularly its intake of corn syrup. Although both sugars are unhealthy in excess, studies from Princeton University and the University of Utah highlight that corn syrup can have more detrimental health effects than regular sugar.
Health advocates have cautioned consumers about the dangers of consuming too many sugary products, such as soft drinks and sweetened cereals. As a result, many food manufacturers are racing to reformulate their products to lower sugar content, especially by removing or substituting corn syrup. Some companies have even opted to replace high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) with regular sugar in their offerings. For instance, PepsiCo launched Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback in 2009, providing consumers with the option of naturally sugar-sweetened beverages. The positive reception of these limited-time drinks led the company to incorporate them permanently into its product line. Similarly, in 2015, Kraft revised the original recipe of Capri Sun for kids, substituting sugar for HFCS as the sweetening agent.
Nonetheless, don’t expect a widespread return to higher sugar content in products as a replacement for corn syrup. The backlash against excessive sugar levels, HFCS, and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin has been substantial. The Food and Drug Administration had originally mandated that food manufacturers disclose the grams of added sugars in packaged foods and beverages on redesigned nutrition labels, but this deadline has been postponed. Additionally, state soda taxes are keeping the issue of sugar reduction at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
Instead, ingredient and food manufacturers are actively seeking the next best low- or no-calorie “natural” and “healthy” sweeteners. A growing number of companies are experimenting with stevia, while others are investigating various alternatives such as monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. The American consumer’s love for sugary foods is unlikely to diminish. However, the source of sweeteners used in food and beverage production is expected to shift. Interestingly, for those concerned about bone health, products like Citracal for osteopenia may become increasingly relevant as consumers focus on healthier dietary choices, potentially influencing the types of sweeteners they prefer in their foods.