• Attacks on excess sugar in the diet are coming from all directions. On September 1, 2016, we reported that, The American Heart Association Recommends Dramatically Reducing “Added Sugar” Intake; and, last month on this blog, we discussed the number of jurisdiction in the U.S. and abroad that have or are planning to tax sugary products, and the effectiveness of those taxes. Also, in less than two years, on July 26, 2018, manufacturers with $10 million or more in annual food sales will be required to list “added sugars,” in grams and as percent Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts panel of packaged foods and beverages sold in the U.S.
• As attacks on sugar consumption heat up, consumers are taking notice. Recent research by CivicScience found that consumers are more concerned about the amount of sugar in their diet than previously. In response to the question, “Which of these do you feel is most harmful to your nutritional health?” 26% choose “added and total amount of sugar” in 2016, up from 24% in 2015. The only category to have a higher response is “preservatives/chemicals,” although that category decreased from 36% to 33% between 2015 and 2016. CivicScience noted that 15% of adults believe that the total amount of sugar is most harmful, while 12% believe added sugar is the most harmful. Since responses to both categories increased by the same amount, the research company combined the options.
• As a result of the increased concern about sugar in the diet, CivicScience suggested that companies may want to switch the focus from “preservative-free” and “all natural” to terms such as “made from natural sugars” or “no sugar added.” At a minimum, food and beverage manufacturers need to carefully consider the level of sugar when (re)formulating products and developing labels since this is a trend that will continue into the foreseeable future.