Sweeteners: Balancing label, taste concerns – digital magazine

Consumers are increasingly demanding healthier food and beverage options made with recognizable ingredients. As such, industry faces the challenge of balancing public desire for indulgent experiences with a focus on reduced sugars and clean labels. Stevia and stevia blends, monk fruit, sugar alcohols, syrups, prebiotic fibers and honey are just a handful of ingredients manufacturers are using in attempt to bridge the gap, particularly in the beverage space.

Takeaways for Your Business

• Sweetener balance is a 2017 top trend, requiring sugar reduction without compromising clean label.
• Companies pledging to reduce product calories include General Mills, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Kellogg.
• Agave-sweetened CSDs saw 72% U.S. growth from 2016 to 2017, a market value of nearly $8 million.