Demand for natural sweeteners

The concerns about obesity and related health problems plus sugar taxes in many countries have stimulated the market for non-caloric sweeteners, according to a new Canadean report. Natural plant-derived sweeteners, such as stevia, are therefore becoming increasingly popular.

As a result of an increased focus on sugar calories, the consumer demand for non-caloric sweeteners is projected to grow five per cent per year until 2017.

Caloric sugar still serves most of the global sweeteners market. In 2013 the world consumed an estimated 180 million tons of sugar from canes and beets plus high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), says the report. This represents 80 per cent of the overall sugar and sweeteners market. Low or non-caloric sweeteners represent the remaining 20 per cent, or 34 million tons in sugar equivalents.

The food trend towards whole foods and natural products has also meant a growing demand for natural sweeteners from herbs and other natural sources such as monk fruit.

What are your views on the use of natural sugars in confectionery products? Is it really necessary to replace all the sugar used with calorie-free alternatives or should we simply be limiting our consumption of high sugar products?