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.

An emerging trend in the world of sweetness is that of “natural browns.” These predominantly nutritive sweeteners include organic and raw sugars that are less processed and align with health- and eco-friendly concerns as perceived by consumers.

There has been increasing focus on new product development in the sugar free, no added sugar and low sugar space, in order to garner interest from the wider demographic of health conscious consumers—not just diabetics or the obese.