Consequences related to overconsumption of calories from added sugar—including alleged links to Type II diabetes, obesity, and other adverse health effects—seem to be in the news everywhere these days. This attention is encouraging many consumers to look for sweetening alternatives as they become more aware of their sugar use and ways to reduce it.
For years, consumers who have wanted to reduce their intake of added sugars—or simply reduce calories—have turned to low-calorie sweeteners in the familiar yellow, pink and blue packets. Consumer choices have been broadened by the availability of sweeteners —sometimes referred to as “natural”—including full-calorie sweeteners such as agave syrup, and low-calorie sweeteners such as monk fruit extract and stevia extract.
With a proven history of consumer use and safety, SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener remains the leading low-calorie sweetener brand, even with the broader availability of natural sweeteners. *
SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener has been the on the market for more than 20 years and that makes a difference: consumers have higher opinions of establishments that serve SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweeteners. ** This may translate into more loyalty, which can improve sales.
SPLENDA® Brand Sweetener (sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in all SPLENDA® Sweetener Products) has no known side effects. Sucralose has been the subject of extensive safety testing, with more than 20 years of research and over 100 scientific studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as other regulatory agencies around the world, have concluded that it is safe for use by all consumers.
SPLENDA® Sweetener Products, including a low-calorie sweetener, have a dollar share that is more than twice that of the combined share of the next two leading artificial low-calorie sweetener brands.* The SPLENDA® Brand dollar share of the low-calorie sweetener category is also greater than the combined dollar share of the top two leading “natural” low-calorie sweetener brands as well. **
As consumers experiment with “naturals,” some OCS operators have added these sweeteners to their product mix, but should be aware that cycles of acceptance and rejection will continue as consumers determine which sweeteners are right for them. When deciding which products to offer, remember to include the brand more consumers know and prefer. *
Sources:
* Nielsen, AOD Scan, Total US xAOC, Calendar Year 52 WE 07/25/15
** NPD Group SPLENDA® Brand Study Revised, 2012
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