Industry: Food and Beverages
Published Date: December-2024
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Number of Pages: 191
Report ID: PMRREP34990
The U.S. high-intensity sweeteners market is estimated to be worth US$ 1.7 Bn by 2031, up from US$ 1.1 Bn recorded in 2024. The market is set to secure a CAGR of 6.2% in the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.
The U.S. market has seen significant growth in recent years, due to innovations in food technology and increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recent data indicates that the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20 and over is around 42.9% in the U.S.
Consumers seek healthy alternatives to sugar, increasing the popularity of sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia across various sectors, including beverages and confectionery. Innovations and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals for new sweeteners have extended opportunities for market players.
There is a surging demand for plant-based and natural sweeteners, boosted by trends in personalized nutrition and functional foods. The market is also observing the incorporation of high-intensity sweeteners in ready-to-eat meals and processed snacks.
Competitive strategies in the market involve product diversification, collaborative efforts, and a focus on clean-label and sustainable production. These are likely to help meet consumers' preferences for healthy, natural, and low-calorie options.
Key Highlights of the Market
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Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
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U.S. High-intensity Sweeteners Market Size (2024E) |
US$ 1.1 Bn |
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Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$ 1.7 Bn |
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U.S. Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031) |
6.2% |
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Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2024) |
5.3% |
Consumers are increasingly turning away from traditional sweeteners due to their associations with health issues like diabetes and obesity, as they become more health conscious. Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant, offers a calorie-free alternative.
It appeals to those looking to reduce their calorie intake without giving up sweetness. Rising demand for clean-label products and minimally processed ingredients aligns with the perception that stevia is a healthier choice compared to artificial sweeteners.
The clean-eating movement has encouraged consumers to seek products made with recognizable, natural ingredients, making stevia an ideal fit for this trend. Often marketed as a plant-based sweetener, stevia attracts consumers who follow vegan and plant-focused diets.
Innovations in extraction and formulation technologies have also improved the taste profile of stevia, significantly reducing the bitter aftertaste that has historically deterred some users. Enhancement in sensory quality, combined with strong marketing efforts, is contributing to high acceptance and usage of stevia across a wide range of food and beverage applications. Hence, the segment is likely to witness a CAGR of 8.5% through 2031.
As consumers become more health-conscious and seek to manage their weight and reduce sugar intake, demand for low-calorie beverages has increased. This is attributed to surging awareness of the negative health effects of excessive sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes. The beverages segment is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 5.9% through 2031.
Manufacturers are increasingly using high-intensity sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia as sugar alternatives in various products, including sodas and iced teas. These are ideal for the beverage industry as they provide the desired sweetness with minimal to no calories. It makes them attractive to those wanting to reduce calorie intake without compromising taste.
Products labeled ‘diet’ or ‘sugar-free,” mainly appeal to individuals managing weight and blood sugar levels. The health and wellness trend further boosts the popularity of low-calorie beverages.
Consumers prioritizing fitness and well-being are pushing demand for these products. As the clean-label movement grows, there is a rising preference for natural sweeteners, which are seen as safer and healthier options.
The U.S. market is also experiencing a rise in plant-based and functional beverages incorporating natural sweeteners to maintain low-calorie profiles. For example,
Clean-label products, or those with fewer artificial additives and identifiable ingredients, are becoming immensely popular among consumers in the U.S. This demand is being satisfied by natural high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit.
Food manufacturers can further save money by using high-intensity sweeteners. As these are much sweeter than sugar, less amounts are needed to provide the appropriate flavor characteristics.
As less water and agricultural land are needed for cultivation than with traditional sugar crops, this efficiency not only lowers production costs but also supports sustainability objectives. Sucralose, for instance, is 600 times sweeter than sugar, which makes it an economical option for producers. The sucralose segment is hence likely to hold a market share of 23% in 2024.
During the historical period from 2019 to 2023, the market benefitted from developments in food technology and rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity. These prompted consumers to seek healthy alternatives.
Sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and stevia gained popularity, particularly in beverages, confectionery, and dairy products. FDA approvals for new sweeteners and innovations further extended the market. In the historical period, the market witnessed a CAGR of 5.3% from 2019 to 2023.
From 2024 to 2031, the market is set to continue its high growth trajectory, driven by a shift toward plant-based and natural sweeteners. Personalized nutrition and functional foods will likely lead to innovations in high-intensity sweeteners.
Their integration into ready-to-eat meals and processed snacks is anticipated to enhance market reach. Companies are set to invest in research and development for clean-label and sustainable sweetener production to align with consumer and regulatory demands.
Rising Prevalence of Diabetes and Obesity to Propel Demand
Rising prevalence of chronic health conditions like diabetes and obesity in the U.S. are driving demand for high-intensity sweeteners. For example,
As awareness of the negative effects of high sugar consumption rises, more people are turning to sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, stevia, and saccharin. These sweeteners provide a sweet taste with minimal calories and do not raise blood sugar levels.
Their beneficial properties are making them suitable for individuals looking to manage diabetes. Demand for sugar substitutes is further fueled by health campaigns promoting better eating habits and the need for dietary adjustments. As the number of diabetics increases, the market for sugar alternatives is likely to boom, reflecting a shift toward health-conscious choices in the U.S.
Innovations in Formulations and Manufacturing Techniques to Boost Sales
Technological innovations in formulation and production techniques are pushing the U.S. high-intensity sweeteners market growth. Over the past decade, developments in manufacturing processes have enhanced efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. These have made the sweeteners more appealing to both manufacturers and consumers.
Modern methods, such as fermentation and enzymatic processes, produce high-purity sweeteners with improved flavor profiles and reduced aftertaste. These help in addressing long-standing challenges with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.
Plant-derived sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit are gaining popularity due to their natural appeal and low-calorie benefits. These are supported by innovations in biotechnology and efficient extraction techniques.
As consumer demand for clean-label products rises, manufacturers are focusing on developing sweeteners with fewer artificial ingredients. Innovations in blending techniques allow for balanced flavors that mimic sugar’s sweetness without negative health impacts.
Developments in high-intensity sweeteners are extending their applicability across various food and beverage categories. It is further driving consumer adoption, reducing costs, and increasing availability in the U.S.
Bitter Aftertaste May Negatively Affect Consumer Preferences
High-intensity sweeteners provide a sugar-free option for reducing calorie intake, but several consumers find the bitter aftertaste off-putting. This unpleasant flavor is often linked to sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, which leads to decreased preference.
While these sweeteners are sweeter than sugar and have minimal or no calories, their taste often falls short of consumer expectations. To meet the rising demand for healthy products, manufacturers have started using blends of sweeteners or natural alternatives like stevia.
The alternatives are thought to have less bitterness. However, these can be more expensive, and not all consumers react the same way to bitterness. Some may overlook it while others may reject products because of it, and this variation complicates product development.
Collaborative Efforts Offer a Key Opportunity to Co-develop Products
Collaborative partnerships are emerging as a key opportunity in the U.S. high-intensity sweeteners market. These are allowing companies to develop innovative products using natural sugar substitutes.
Similar partnerships not only help extend market reach but also enable companies to launch unique products that stand out in a competitive landscape. By offering alternatives that mimic sugar's taste and texture, these efforts are well-positioned to meet the rising demand for natural and sustainable products in the U.S. sweeteners industry.
The U.S. high-intensity sweeteners industry is very competitive, featuring key companies like Tate and Lyle, Cargill, and Ingredion, alongside emerging players such as Sweegen and PureCircle. These firms offer a variety of sweeteners, including sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and stevia. They are leveraging extensive distribution networks and significant research investments.
Small-scale companies focus on innovation in the natural sweetener segment, particularly stevia and monk fruit extracts. Success strategies include product diversification, partnerships, and catering to the rising demand for healthy, low-calorie options. Sustainability and clean labeling are becoming vital as manufacturers respond to consumer preferences for natural products.
Recent Industry Developments
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Attributes |
Details |
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Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
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Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
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Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
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Key Zones Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization and Pricing |
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By Product Type
By Nature
By Application
By Zone
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The market is likely to surge at 6.2% CAGR during the forecast period.
Surging prevalence of chronic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity in the U.S. is driving demand.
IFF, ADM, Cargill, Inc., Ingredion, Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Roquette, and Tate and Lyle are a few key players.
It has a structurally diverse set of compounds that share an important attribute, i.e. they are much sweeter than sucrose.
Acesulfame K is considered the most intense sweetener.
