Sugar reduction—applying the term as a generic for full-calorie sweeteners—remains one of the top concerns among consumers, yet the lack of willingness to sacrifice flavor and function remains a challenge to product developers. This is especially the case for dairy items and beverages. As an example of the complexity of the challenge, reducing sugar in a clear, still beverage differs from doing so in a carbonated beverage, which, in turn, differs from doing so in a dairy-based beverage.
Certain sugar replacers might be better suited for different types of beverages—let’s say clear still, clear carbonated, and dairy-based. For this reason, formulators look for specific aspects when it comes to each type of beverage and the sweetener they choose for it.