Sweetening solutions like our new
SweetRight® Stevia Edgility support both sugar reduction and accessible”
competitive edge in the market.
innovation, ADM has also launched an interactive insights tool focused on sugar reduction. According to Stuart, this tool is designed to help confectionery manufacturers optimize their formulations:
“Our interactive insights tool is a culmination of our extensive sugar reduction research. Surveying 13,900 people in 15 countries, we analysed trends in consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions, providing brands with broader regional and global trends.” The study found that sugar reduction is increasingly a priority, with eight in ten EU adults actively cutting down on sugar. the importance of sugar reduction in candies and chocolates, signalling a strong demand for premium alternative sweetening solutions that maintain the pleasure of indulgence while
Overcoming challenges in sugar reduction Reformulating confectionery products to reduce sugar presents several challenges, from maintaining texture and shelf life to ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Stuart explains how ADM addresses these hurdles: “Sugar provides much more than just sweetness; it also delivers critical bulking. Low- or no-sugar confectionery like gummies can harden over time, resulting in an unappealing texture. Additionally, there are restrictions on the alternative sweeteners permitted for use in the EMEA region, making solutions for bulking limited, and they may not deliver on taste.” To tackle these challenges, ADM employs its Replace Rebalance Rebuild® approach, which rebuilds functionality. This method leverages a
KennedysConfection.com
combination of stevia-based solutions, bulk sweeteners like SweetRight® Erythritol and SweetRight® Reduced Sugar Glucose Syrup as Fibersol® to ensure optimal texture, taste, and shelf stability.
One standout example is RSGS, which functions similarly to corn syrup—a key ingredient in gummies—allowing sugar reduction. When combined with SweetRight® Stevia Edgility, even higher sugar reduction targets can be met while maintaining product appeal.
The role of consumer education in sugar reduction
While technological advancements in sweeteners are essential, consumer perception and education play an equally critical role in the success of sugar reduction initiatives. Many consumers remain skeptical of sugar alternatives due to ingredients. To bridge this gap, brands need to invest in clear, transparent communication of alternative sweeteners.
Consumers are more likely to embrace
sugar-reduced products if they understand Highlighting factors such as improved gut health, lower glycemic impact, and potential brands that engage in sustainability messaging—such as the environmental
The future of alternative sweeteners Looking ahead, ADM anticipates continued advancements in ingredient science and sweetening technology, with affordability purchasing decisions. According to Stuart: “Affordability will continue to impact product development and consumer purchasing decisions. Sweetening solutions, like our new SweetRight® Stevia Edgility, support cost parameters when reformulating confectionery with lower sugar content, delivering value and performance, which ultimately supports a more appealing consumer price.”
While no single alternative sweetener can completely replace sugar’s multifaceted role in confectionery, ADM remains committed to developing synergistic systems that push the boundaries of sugar reduction without compromising taste or
texture. As the demand for healthy indulgence continues to rise, brands that successfully navigate the complexities of sugar reduction will be well-positioned to capture the next generation of health- conscious consumers.
The future of sugar reduction is dynamic and full of potential. By integrating data- driven insights, leveraging next-generation sweetening solutions,
and prioritising
consumer education, brands can successfully meet the growing demand for reduced- sugar confections while maintaining their competitive edge. Ultimately, sugar reduction is a fundamental shift in the way we approach indulgence. The brands that embrace this shift with transparency, quality ingredients, and forward-thinking formulation strategies will lead the charge in creating a healthier, sweeter future for consumers worldwide.
Kennedy’s Confection February 2025 19
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