As U.S. consumers’ interest in healthier alternatives to sugar keeps rising, natural and low-calorie sweeteners are taking the spotlight in the market. With a growing demand for better-for-you ingredients, businesses are changing their products to align with these trends. Ready to meet the demand? Check out our bulk catalog for amazing, high-quality natural sweeteners that will keep your customers asking for more!
In with the good, out with the bad
If we say eating too much sugar is bad, it’s likely not news to you. Either way, you’re probably still doing it. As a matter of fact, if you start checking labels on the food you eat every day, there’s probably a high amount of added sugars in them, even if you thought they were healthy. According to WebMD, Americans average about 270 calories of added sugars each day, which equals about 17 teaspoons a day, five more than the 12 recommended teaspoons. Now, eating sugar is not always bad, your body needs it to function, the problem comes with the type and the excess. There are natural and added sugars: the natural kind originates naturally in certain foods like fruit and milk. On the other hand, the added kind is combined with other ingredients in prepared foods, like high-fructose corn syrup. And, although it makes food taste delicious, it can take a toll on your body. A high added sugar intake can, for example:
- Increase your sugar cravings
- Cause tooth decay
- Could lead to a blood sugar crash
- Impacts brain function
- Increases the risk of disease
- May cause weight gain
- Might age skin faster
- Raises stress level
Shifting tastes
In today’s society, information is available for those who seek it, which has made people more aware of how their eating habits can impact their quality of life. A survey held by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) shows that one-third of consumers changed their consumption habits between April 2023 and April 2024. Among this group, 10% reported increasing their LNCS (low and no-calorie sweeteners) consumption, while 6% started consuming LNCS. Consumers all around the world now look for businesses that can meet their health expectations and provide what they are asking for. This makes natural sweeteners, like honey, stevia, and monk fruit take the leading role.
Natural sugars, come to the front!
Giving up on sugar is no easy feat, and we know it. But hey, not all is bad news! You can now find so many options in the market to satisfy your sweet tooth, without compromising your health. Stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are all gaining popularity for their minimal or zero-calorie content, plus, they are plant-based! Talk about health.
- Stevia, for example, is a plant from South America that has been grown more and more due to its sweet flavor and medicinal purposes. Some experts believe that it can help with blood pressure and maintaining a healthy blood sugar level.
- Monk Fruit, the new kid on the block that has everyone wanting more and is here to stay. This small melon-looking fruit gained its name from the Buddhist monks who originally grew it centuries back. It’s naturally very sweet and it’s actually reported to be 100 to 250 times sweeter than sugar. What!?
- Allulose, a naturally occuring sweetener from fruits like raisins and figs that has all the green lights from the FDA.
Sweetening the future!
The consumers ask and businesses shall provide! In a constantly changing market, staying on top of trends it’s a must. Check with our team how we can help your company have all the essentials for your clients wants!
