There were over 2,000 new cultured products introduced worldwide in the past two years with a reduced-, low- or no-added-sugar claim, according to Innova Market Insights’ new product database.
According to the American Heart Association, American adults consume an average of 77 grams of sugar per day, more than three times the recommended amount for women (25 grams) and more than twice that recommended for men (32 grams). Excess sugar in the diet is associated with weight gain, diabetes, and other unwelcome health issues.
In 2021, 72% of consumers were trying to limit or avoid sugar entirely, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Consuming less sugar will likely remain a key consumer goal in 2022.
Sugar continues to be at the top of the list of nutrients that consumers are trying to reduce in their diets. A recent update from the American Heart Association noted, "Strong evidence supports the association of added sugars with increased cardiovascular disease in children."
Back in 2016, FDA announced an update to the Nutrition Facts label. As part of that update, the agency called for food and beverage manufacturers to list "added sugars" instead of only "total sugars."