U.S. Artificial Sweeteners Market Trends

Increasing adoption in confectionery, bakery and dairy items: Historically, the usage of high-intensity sweeteners was limited to beverages and tabletop sweeteners. However, their application is rising across confectionery, bakery and dairy products. Manufacturers are using sweeteners in chocolate, ice cream, yogurt, cakes, muffins, frosting, and others to develop low-sugar alternatives. For instance, brands like Halo Top have gained popularity for their low-calorie artificial sweetener-based ice creams. Rising demand for sweetener-based desserts and bakery items among diabetics and weight watchers is a trend that boosts product adoption.

Demand for sweetener blends over single sweeteners: Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly using combinations of artificial sweeteners rather than single sweeteners to achieve well-rounded taste profiles. Blends provide synergistic effects resulting in enhanced sweetness potency and sensory experience. For instance, stevia is often blended with aspartame, sucralose or monk fruit extracts. The use of combinations of sweeteners also makes it possible to reduce the dosage of individual sweeteners, which promotes this development. Companies like ADM, Cargill and Tate & Lyle offer blended sweetener solutions.

Clean label and natural sweetener solutions: With rising consumer demand for clean label and natural products, manufacturers are offering ingredients like stevia and monk fruit to replace artificial sweeteners like aspartame or acesulfame K. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing product labels and seeking recognizable and natural ingredients. Stevia and monk fruit provide the sweetness of sugar without artificial additives. Brands across categories like beverages, dairy, snacks, and others are reformulating products with these natural sweetening solutions, thus, fueling their adoption.

Surging popularity of stevia sweeteners: Among high-intensity sweeteners, stevia has witnessed exponential growth in demand and adoption rates owing to its natural origin. According to Innova Market Insights Data in 2021, stevia was used in over 35% of food and beverage launched in 2021. Consumers perceive it as a healthy, plant-based alternative with no calories and glycemic impact. Manufacturers are using premium quality stevia extracts like reb M and reb D optimized for taste. The rising consumer preference for stevia as a sugar substitute is a noteworthy trend in the industry.

Figure. U.S. Artificial Sweeteners Market Share