The State of Sweeteners

The quest to address our collective sweet tooth, while dealing with myriad challenges presented by using and consuming sweeteners, makes the sweeteners category one of the most dynamic in the food industry. If a proposal to create a new line listing the amount of added sugars on the revised Nutrition Facts label is approved, all eyes will be on the food and beverage industry.

In 2012, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued a report outlining five goals for preventing obesityone of which was making healthy food and beverage options available everywhere. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, indicates that more than 69 percent of U.S. adults are overweight or obese and health care costs related to obesity are estimated at $254 billion. That, coupled with consumer concern over sugar intake and studies citing adverse health effects of consuming too many caloric sweeteners, has put immense pressure on the industry to reduce sugar content in food and beverage formulations. From sweetener blends to all-natural options, product developers are looking for ways to keep consumers happy by reducing calories while maintaining good flavor in the products they produce.