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By 2023, sweeteners industry expected to show growth of 3.4%
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Monday, 09 January, 2023, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
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Vipul Sachdeva
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There are a few things that are common amongst the length and breadth of our diverse country and one of them is the love of sweets among our countrymen & women alike. No wonder that India is the informal diabetic capital of the world. We understand that it is hard to change old habits which are ingrained into our systems for years, therefore the recent advances in the sweetener industry, especially in the natural sweetener category,are a boon for sweet crazy Indians. Read on to holistically understand the options available to avoid sugar safely and sweetly and this time with no compromise in taste.
About sweeteners in India
According to industry estimations, the market for tabletop sweeteners in India in March 2022 was estimated to be worth over US$60 million, with a CAGR of 8–10%.
The market is divided into three main categories: Aspartame and Sucralose (Artificial) and Stevia (Natural). After 2021, Monkfruit as a category was approved. Owing to its price point and country-wide distribution, Aspartame is leading the category and contributing close to 65% followed by Sucralose (30%) and Stevia (5%). By 2023, the sweeteners industry is expected to show growth of 3.4%.
Within the sweetener industry, the categories are artificial and natural sweeteners. But are these sweeteners safe and sweet? The answer depends on which sweetener you choose, artificial or natural.
The health benefits of artificial sweeteners are debatable, and they also have a controversial track record when it comes to long-term use. The substances used in artificial sweeteners are amino acids, peptides, and sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating and diarrhoea. Artificial sweeteners are also known for their unpalatable aftertaste. Some common artificial sweeteners are Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K, Saccharin, and Xylitol.
Monkfruit Sweetner – changing industry dynamics
Some natural sweeteners like Stevia also have an aftertaste, that discourages long-term usage. However, a new category has emerged in natural sweeteners which are derived from Monkfruit. The sweetness in Monkfruit comes from beneficial molecules called mogrosides, an antioxidant and not from fructose or sucrose like most other natural sweeteners, Therefore, the extract has no calories or carbs and has no effect on blood glucose levels, and won't make you gain weight. Some other common natural sweeteners are Erythritol, Xylitol and Yacon syrup.
In contrast to sugar or other sugar substitutes, natural sweeteners are frequently marketed as healthier alternatives and so are expensive than artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
The demand for natural-based sweeteners has grown as Indians are becoming more conscious of the negative consequences that sugar has on their bodies. As a result, their understanding of diet, exercise, and health have grown rapidly. Natural sweeteners can be used in day-to-day meals and beverages. The need to battle health issues like obesity and diabetes as well as government programmes to reduce sugar consumption are other factors that have impacted the growth of the natural sweetener industry in India.
In Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India has already begun the process of domestically cultivating Monkfruit. The benefits of monkfruit are widely known and can have a positive impact on the health of sweet-toothed Indians. Commercial cultivation of this fruit has become essential. Indian consumers and the food industry are becoming more interested in natural food and so the safe and sweet alternative to sugar are natural sweeteners.
(The author is India business head, Lakanto)
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