Can Sugar Alternatives Increase Demand for Food Processing Products?

February 10, 2020 -

• Food Processing
• Industries We Serve

Over the years, sugar has crept closer to being public enemy number one. And when you think about it, that’s not really a surprise. After all, the overload of sugar in our food and drinks has been linked to the obesity crisis in America. As a result, more and more consumers in the U.S. are looking for food products that have healthier alternatives. What does this mean if you’re a food processor? Well, using a sugar alternative may actually increase consumer demand for your products. Using sugar alternatives has shaped up to be one of the top food processing trends of 2020. In this post, we’ll break down how using sugar alternatives could increase the demand for your products, plus highlight some sugar alternatives that you could use.

The Gap in the Sugar Market

Sweet alternatives to sugar in food processing isn’t exactly a new idea. So why is there a sudden shift? According to Research and Markets, the market for artificial sweeteners is growing. In fact, the total market size is projected to surpass 9 billion dollars by 2025. The health war on sugar has no intention of slowing down, but people still crave sugar in their diet. The result is a unique gap in the market that’s made up of increased demand for food products with artificial sweeteners. To consumers, sugar replacements are a win/win. Not only are they often sweeter than sugar itself, but many of them don’t pose the same health risks. But it’s important to note that the demand of artificial sugars could take a hit once more long-term studies come out.

What Do Sugar Alternatives Mean for Food Processors?

Yes, using sugar alternatives can increase the demand for your food processing products. But like so many other components in food processing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some considerations that can help you think about making the transition:

1. Popular Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Choosing the most popular artificial sweetener isn’t always the best call for your business. It’s important to consider the effect sugar substitutes will have on your products individually. Each artificial sweetener is unique. So, do your homework to learn which option will be best suited for your products.

2. Think About How it Will Affect Your Current Customers

Using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar can open your products up to a wider audience. But it’s important to think about how this change will affect your current customer base. A good way to find out is to survey some of your current customers to see how they feel about the change.

Sweet Alternatives to Sugar in Food Processing

Now that you’re thinking about using an alternative to sugar, let’s take a look at some options. • Saccharin: This sugar alternative has a low cost and can remain stable under high heat. Plus, it’s long shelf life can benefit a variety of products. • Sucralose: It’s a sweetener with a more general use and has no bitter after-taste. It’s popular in baked goods, beverages and cereal. • Acesulfame potassium: Being 200 times sweeter than sugar, this substitute has a long shelf life. It’s used in desserts, candies and soft drinks. • Neotame: Neotame is the newest addition to sugar substitutes. It’s so sweet that only a small amount needs to be added. But it does have a different flavor profile than sugar, which could affect the taste of the products its used in.

Keep Up with Demand by Investing in Used Food Processing Equipment

If you capitalize on this food processing trend in 2020, you could have more demand for your products. But how are you supposed to keep up with that demand? After all, expanding production can be an expensive process. Have you considered investing in used food processing equipment? With the right reconditioning process, you could get equipment that works like new, at a fraction of the cost. It’s a way for your food processing business to get more impact for less capital. All you need to do is find a reliable used food processing equipment provider.

Zwirner Equipment Helps Your Business Thrive

At Zwirner Equipment, we offer high-quality used stainless-steel equipment for a variety of industries, including food processing. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to keep up with demand, we’ve got you covered. Our inventory of reconditioned equipment can help support your business. And since we’re always adding new products to our inventory, you’ll want to stay in touch. Contact our team today to learn how we can support your food processing business. We even offer custom solutions if your needs are more specialized. Call Today