Artificial Sweeteners
Shifting dietary habits and improving health consciousness shape global consumption behaviors for foods and beverages is also observed in India. With an emerging trend of consumption of artificial sweeteners. A recent survey suggests that a large share of urban Indians are choosing artificial sweeteners in their diets every month, signaling a shift in taste & mindset about health and the role of sugar in a balanced diet. This has several implications for the food and beverage industry.
- An impressive 38% of urban Indians now say they consume artificial sweeteners on a monthly basis. It suggests a substantial uptake of these sugar alternatives among urban consumers.
- There may be a range of reasons for this trend, including improved awareness of the health effects of consuming too much sugar, increased availability of more food and beverage products that contain artificial sweeteners, and perhaps consumers perceiving them as "healthier" than their real sugar counterparts.
- The food and beverage sector in India is adapting to this developing consumer preference by formulating their products using greater amounts of artificial sweeteners, particularly in categories such as beverages, processed foods, and low-calorie or diet foods-led products.
- It is important for food and beverage manufacturers in India to understand this emerging group of artificial sweetener consumers. This consumer information is vital for manufacturers to relate to their new product offerings and promotional strategies.
- The rise could also suggest that consumers are taking more interest in weight loss and caloric intake. As a result of urbanization, lifestyle changes, and possibly more awareness of diet-related health issues, consumers may be actively searching for food and beverage products that have fewer calories or less sugar, thus driving up the use of artificial sweeteners.
- If more research were done on the demographics, motivations, and preferences of this 38%, it could provide many important insights for the industry.
