Reducing Sugar in Kids’ Cereals
An interview with Kantha Shelke, PhD, principal of Corvus Blue, LLC
Most cereal product manufacturers have acknowledged the call of consumers to cut the sugar (here referring to the generic use of the term for glucose, fructose, and sucrose), but progress still is slow in the area of sweetened cereals, especially those marketed to children. Slight advances have brought the numbers down—the past decade and a half or so has seen the number of RTE cereals containing more than 50% sugar fall from around half to just over a third. Considering some two-thirds of children who eat breakfast have cereal for that first meal, it is clear there is still a lot of work to be done.
According to Kantha Shelke, PhD, CFS principal of Corvus Blue, LLC, a Chicago-based food science and research firm, the challenge is that sugars add not only sweetness and flavor but also texture (especially by increasing crispiness and crunch), and stability to cereal products. They also suppress the bitterness and astringency of grains and enhance the overall sensory profile by developing color and aroma during the manufacturing process.
Consumers Seek Clarity on Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners
The International Food Information Council holds forum with health professionals and food safety experts
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) recently provided a forum for health professionals and food safety experts to discuss the latest science and consumer insights around low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS).
“In today’s media landscape, headlines often sensationalize conflicting opinions on the role sweeteners should play in a healthy diet,” Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, MS, RDN, IFIC president & CEO, said. “This leaves consumers with contradictory messages about the benefits and risks of consuming these ingredients. Because of this, we see a pressing need for clear, evidence-based communication to dispel misconceptions and empower individuals to navigate the nuances of sweetener consumption, especially timely during February, a month in which sweetness is often celebrated and enjoyed by many.”
In 2018, PepsiCo disrupted the sparkling water category with the launch of bubly sparkling water. Now, the company is shaking things up once again with a new product called bubly burst. New bubly burst is a flavor-forward, lightly sweetened sparkling water beverage with bold fruit flavors, bright colors, zero added sugar, and minimal calories.
Pure Leaf Zero Sugar Sweet Tea
Pure Leaf introduced Zero Sugar Sweet Tea: a real brewed, high-quality sweet, iced tea with zero sugar and zero calories. Pure Leaf is bringing non-believers to the sweet side with help from Emily Alyn Lind and Celeste O'Connor (who are no strangers to mysterious plots and uncovering the truth - check them out in a major blockbuster in theaters now!) in a national campaign.
Naked Brand Lower Sugar Smoothies
Known for its real fruit and veggie smoothies, Naked Brand launched a range of lower sugar smoothies in time for the busy, on-the-go summer season. Crafted for consumers looking for a smoothie with fewer sugars, the new Naked Lower Sugar Smoothies offer 50% lower sugar in an array of flavors including Berrylicious, Glorious Greens and Tropical Sunrise.
