Using zero-calorie sweeteners in food products, especially beverages, is a key driver behind the growth rate for natural sugars.
According to a new study published by Valuates Reports, the worldwide natural sweeteners market is anticipated to expand from USD 22.49 billion in 2020 to USD 27.94 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 3.7%. The growing popularity of zero-calorie sweeteners in various meals, particularly beverages, is aiding the expansion of the natural sweetener business.
Further growth of the natural sweeteners market
Sugar-free diet foods and beverages are becoming increasingly popular as concerns about the harmful effects of excessive sugar consumption rise. Furthermore, because manufacturers can now produce high-quality natural sweeteners at a lower cost due to technological progress and R&D investment, consumers’ acceptance of natural sweeteners has grown further, driving the market growth for natural sweeteners.
The natural sweeteners market is anticipated to develop considerably during the forecast period, fueled by their ability to reduce calorie consumption without affecting product taste or flavor. Furthermore, governments and regulatory bodies are encouraging food and beverage producers to cut down on sugar in their products, contributing to the growth of the natural sweeteners industry size. However, natural sweeteners have distinct taste limitations that must be considered when utilizing certain goods and inherent difficulties applying some materials that may impede progress in this sector.
The North American natural sweeteners market is anticipated to dominate in the future. The attractiveness of natural sweeteners in North America is attributed, at least in part, to increased sports participation and consumer awareness about the general high-calorie intake throughout the region. In addition, candy and chocolate consumption on special occasions (such as birthdays and Christmas) and holidays (such as Halloween) has boosted the demand for natural sweets in North America.
On the other hand, Asia Pacific will witness the highest market growth rate, and this rapid growth in Asia Pacific is attributed to changing consumer preferences. With consumers increasingly focusing on maintaining their weight and following a scientific diet to stay healthy, the natural sweeteners market in Asia is expected to witness lucrative growth opportunities.
Natural sweetener: stevia extract
In 2018, the global stevia market was USD 637.1 million and was expected to reach USD 1,169.4 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% in the 7 years.
Stevia is a sweetener with zero calories that does not cause tooth decay or blood sugar levels to rise. As a result, it has several health advantages, particularly in terms of blood sugar and pressure control and weight management. In addition, it has many application-friendly properties, such as flavor enhancement, antioxidant properties to prevent fermentation and discoloration of foods, reduced viscosity of beverages and high heat resistance, and as a natural stabilizer. As a result, it has established itself as one of the most common sugars. It’s also used in numerous meals and beverages as a calorie-free sweetener.
Stevia is used in various industries, including food & beverage, pharma, animal feeds, cosmetics, and personal care. The powder form has the most market share by far. This kind is highly soluble and has a longer shelf life than other forms of stevia, making it more popular than others. Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 54 percent share globally (2017). Stevia has been utilized for many years in Asian nations such as Japan as an important component in meals and beverages and dietary supplements.
China is a major exporter and manufacturing origin of stevia extracts. Stevia has been the most exported species of plant extract from China for many years. According to China’s customs data, in the first half of 2020, China’s exports of stevia leaf extracts still reached $130 million without being affected by the excessive epidemic.
Natural Sweeteners: Polyols
By 2027, the worldwide polyol sweeteners market is anticipated to have a value of around $9.3 billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%. Growing concern over health issues like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease is expected to drive the expansion of this market.
Polyols are sugar derivatives produced from the fermentation or hydrogenation of biological waste. Although sugar alcohols are not sugar, they have the sweetness of sugar and do not corrode the teeth. They have no effect on the rise of human blood glucose levels and have high stability to acid and heat, so they are used as sweeteners in sugar-free and low-sugar foods.
The powdered form of polyols dominates the market, accounting for over 75.0% of the total global polyol sales in 2019. Polyols in the form of powdered sugar are used in the manufacturing of various food products such as confectionery, snacks, and baked goods and are expected to grow steadily during the forecast period owing to easy handling, transportation, and storage, along with long shelf life. Polyol sweeteners in liquid or syrup have a high water solubility, making them ideal for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. In addition, the demand for liquid sugar alcohols is anticipated to rise as consumer interest grows in natural sugar substitutes, especially beverages.
Among these, sorbitol-based sweeteners are expected to be polyols’ most prominent type segment. More than 41% of the worldwide polyol sweeteners are composed of sorbitol-based sweeteners, and as a result, sorbitol and its extracts are expected to register an annual growth rate of 5.8 percent from 2015 through 2020.
Natural sweetener: monkey fruit
The monkey fruit industry is anticipated to develop at a fast rate during the next decade. The worldwide monkey fruit market was worth $396.34 million in 2019 and is projected to reach $532.17 million by the end of 2026, growing at a CAGR of around 4.3%. With so many health advantages, the market has great potential over time. In-store packaging designs for retail usage may result in considerable consumption of the product in homes.
In addition to its great benefits in blood pressure and blood sugar management, monkey fruit also provides some relief from respiratory ailments, including cough, and its high antioxidant content and long shelf life. In terms of market, the monkey fruit market is divided into natural and organic markets. North America is expected to contribute the most to the monkey fruit market. While the European market is expected to be one of the most lucrative markets in the coming years as there is a great demand for natural zero-calorie sweeteners among consumers in this region. And markets such as Asia Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East will be up-and-coming regions with an underdeveloped need for business expansion, especially in China, where monkey fruit originates.
