While 62% of consumers surveyed are concerned about the sugar content in their dairy, sugared dairy is still preferred over sugar-reduced or no added sugar varieties, according to DSM’s second report in its Global Insight Series that focuses on sugar reduction.
The report reveals a disparity between health and weight concerns and consumer buying behavior in this category.
DSM’s survey, conducted in the US, China, Brazil, Spain and Germany, shows that consumers (34%) and especially their children (53%), have increased their consumption of sugared dairy products over the last three years.
They have also indicated that they expect this to grow further, especially those living in China (49% adults, 68% children) and the US (32% adults, 54% children).
Although close to two thirds of the respondents claim that they care about their sugar intake in general (64%), and that its content in dairy is a concern (62%), the consumption of sugared dairy products remains robust.
However, there is a potential for food manufacturers to grow the sugar-reduced dairy market, which is not only driven by the World Health Organization guidelines on sugar intake but also by consumers, as 80% of the respondents agree that dairy foods with low or reduced sugar are better for their health.
The findings support the relevance for new product developments in this category, where currently the products available do not meet consumer requirements that would lead to a shift in buying behavior.
DSM has an enzyme-based sugar reduction concept for dairy on offer.
With the help of enzymes, more of the sweetness that is naturally present in dairy products can be enhanced, creating a preferred sweet taste with less or no added sugar.
The company is also working on a fermentative sweetener platform to bring flexible, reliable and sustainable Stevia to the food and beverage industry.
The results of the consumer survey will be highlighted during the upcoming IDF World Dairy Summit in Lithuania from September 20 to 24, 2015, where Merel Roes, global marketing manager dairy enzymes, will present the global consumption trends in sugar-reduced dairy at the marketing conference.
