The global pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of life including the diets of most around the world. According to an article in Candy Industry magazine, more than 40 percent of consumers agreed that their snacking had increased during April and July of 2020. Additionally, more than 20 percent said that they’d paid less attention to calories during the same period of time.
This year, however, consumers are expected to begin adjusting to the “new normal” post-pandemic. That includes re-focusing on health and wellness. The Candy Industry article, “Consumers to refocus on healthy eating in 2021 after COVID-19 snacking,” stated that 79 percent of global consumers plan to make healthier eating and drinking habits as a result of COVID-19. More than 56 percent of these consumers plan to reduce their sugar intake as part of their approach to healthier eating.
Finding natural alternative sweeteners ties in well with these goals. Americans in particular, love the taste of sugar—ingesting a hefty 125 grams of sugar on average daily, according to The Diabetes Council. The desire to reduce the amount of sugar in one’s diet while not compromising on taste or palatability offers a great opportunity to alternative sugar producers and health food retailers alike.
