“Navigating Sugar Transparency: The Push for Added Sugar Labels and Consumer Awareness”
Added sugars are set to receive special attention on Nutrition Facts labels starting in 2020 and 2021, but the American Medical Association (AMA) believes more action is necessary. The AMA contends that providing additional information is beneficial, whereas industry representatives argue that these figures are insignificant since there is no established threshold of sugar that leads to negative health effects. Many consumers express a desire for more ingredient transparency on food and beverage labels, despite the fact that they sometimes overlook this information. Sugar, in particular, is an ingredient that many wish to limit. A survey conducted by Label Insight revealed that approximately 22% of consumers aim to reduce their sugar consumption.
Highlighting added sugars on labels could assist in these efforts. Manufacturers have begun to lower sugar levels in their products, employing various strategies such as using sweeter alternatives like stevia, incorporating artificial sweeteners, or exploring newly developed sugar types. As food and beverage companies disclose this information, a greater number of consumers may take note. Should the FDA mandate front-of-package warning labels for items high in added sugars, there is a higher likelihood that consumers will notice them, potentially influencing their choices toward products with lower or no added sugar.
The industry group expresses concern that, in the absence of an FDA-established sugar limit, consumers might be unduly swayed to select products with less sugar. This concern is valid, although sugar producers understand that setting such a threshold with certainty or scientific backing would be challenging for the agency. Conversely, the AMA recognizes that high sugar consumption—often exceeding 13% of total daily calories from added sugars for Americans, according to the FDA—can result in obesity, dental issues, diabetes, and heart disease.
Amid this ongoing debate, manufacturers utilizing sugar in their products are striving to comply with regulations while anticipating consumer trends. Some have already reduced sugar content, others have begun using sugar substitutes, and many are working towards greater transparency in their processes. As these changes unfold, consumers can closely monitor these developments and adjust their purchasing decisions accordingly.
Recent research indicates that consumers remain apprehensive about sugar levels in their foods and beverages. A third of Americans associate sugar with weight gain, 71% check sugar content on ingredient labels, and 46% strongly wish to cut back on sugar intake, according to a Kerry white paper. In an Ingredion survey, 72% of consumers indicated that the presence of added sugars on the Nutrition Facts panel would negatively impact their yogurt purchases. Similarly, 71% voiced the same concern regarding fruit drinks, while 53% felt this way about cookies and 52% about snack bars.
Consumers are eager for more information on product packaging, and they will soon receive it. Whether they will consistently refer to this information is uncertain. However, for the AMA to successfully advocate for warning labels on packaging fronts, consumers need to assert the importance and helpfulness of this information, ensuring it is clear and not misleading. If not, it may seem like an unnecessary regulation for the food industry without sufficient justification, which the current administration may not support.
As consumers navigate these changes, they might also seek alternatives like CVS calcium citrate petites to complement their dietary adjustments. The emphasis on transparency and informed choices will be crucial as both consumers and manufacturers adapt to evolving health guidelines.
