Innovative solutions to tackle the sugar reduction challenge

25/03/2025

Sugars and sweeteners are commonly used in food and drink manufacturing to give products the sweet taste that consumers know and love. High-intensity sugars are a popular choice as a small amount can achieve the same sweetness as sugar. However, the use of high-intensity sugars presents its own challenges for manufacturers; not only can they contribute to off-notes and flavour imbalance but they are also heavily regulated. This means manufacturers must navigate an extensive approval process that can result in lengthy manufacturing delays. As a result, manufacturers are seeking new ways to tackle the sugar reduction challenge. 

Read on to discover how sugar alternatives can be used to create equally delicious low-sugar food and drink. 

How can manufacturers use sugar alternatives?

Low-sugar products are increasingly popular as health-conscious consumers seek natural, better-for-you alternatives to their favourite sugary treats. In order to continue to reach these consumers and meet the growing demand for low-sugar alternatives, manufacturers are having to adapt. By offering low-sugar options and refined sugar alternatives, brands align with preferences for healthier choices whilst meeting dietary needs across a wider consumer market. These low-sugar solutions can be easily incorporated into a variety of products, from topical applications and coatings to glazings, seasonings, dry mixes, sauces, and beverages. As manufacturers embrace these alternatives, they can stay competitive and support global trends toward healthier food options.

What are the benefits of sugar reduction?

Many populations are seeing an increase in conditions like diabetes and obesity. As a consequence, health-conscious consumers are actively seeking to reduce their sugar intake by choosing “low sugar” alternatives or “no added sugar” options. 

In some cases, governments have also decided to take action to try to reduce the sugar consumption of the population as a whole, aiming to reduce health issues like obesity and diabetes and ease the burden on healthcare systems. Some governments have introduced new policies or regulations in order to encourage food manufacturers to create healthier products with less sugar. In these situations, reducing sugar content could enable manufacturers to meet regulatory standards while also offering different labelling opportunities or pricing strategies.

Sugar reduction solutions

Sugar reduction solutions like OHLY® SAV-R-SEL help improve taste by masking the off-notes often associated with high-intensity sweeteners. These solutions also enhance and intensify the real sugar flavours to create a more balanced and enjoyable taste. By effectively masking undesirable aftertastes, these sugar reduction solutions provide an equally enjoyable flavour experience for consumers seeking sweet food and drink products, allowing manufacturers to reduce sugar while maintaining flavour quality. 

Sweetener powders

Sweetener powders combine convenient, natural sweetness with unique flavour profiles that can be incorporated into a diverse range of formulations. PRODRY® Honey Powders can be used to create a variety of sweet and floral notes in baked goods, beverages, and sauces, complementing other ingredients while providing consistent sweetness. PRODRY® Molasses Powder can be incorporated into both dry and wet mixes, making it ideal for snacks, dressings, and other products. These powders simplify manufacturing while enhancing flavour, offering practical solutions for countless products. 

Sugar alternative solutions with OHLY

When you choose Ohly for sugar reduction solutions, you’ll benefit from decades of expertise in taste modulation. Our extensive experience allows us to develop natural, high-quality, reliable alternatives that enhance product taste and improve nutritional values. We continuously reinvest in research and innovation so that we can keep developing cutting-edge flavour solutions that help manufacturers meet evolving consumer trends. 

Want to find out more about how our sugar alternatives can elevate your products? Request a sample today or get in touch to speak to our team.