Consumers Want Additional Labeling Requirements for Sweeteners

July 6, 2020

“The Sugar Association today released a new consumer research report showing grocery shoppers are confused about the use of sugar substitutes in packaged food. While once limited to use as tabletop sweeteners and ingredients in diet foods, alternative sweeteners can now be found in a variety of consumer products including bread, cereals, granola bars, yogurt, ice cream, flavored milk, and children’s beverages. ¹ Yet, current labeling practices do not clearly disclose their presence in consumer products. Participants in the nationally representative survey preferred additional labeling disclosures by food companies as a remedy for the lack of transparency on labels for low- and no-calorie sweeteners.

“This research shows consumers are interested in knowing what is in their foods and realize that additional, and non-misleading, information is needed for them to make informed decisions about the food products they purchase and consume,” said Courtney Gaine, PhD, RD, President and CEO of the Sugar Association. “This data reinforces our decision to file a Citizen Petition with the FDA asking the agency to extend labeling transparency to the growing range of alternative sweeteners in the food supply.”

Read the full article at: https://www.sugarproducer.com/2020/07/consumers-want-additional-labeling-requirements