Trends in the Use of Low and No-Calorie Sweeteners in Non-Alcoholic Beverages in Slovenia

Abstract

Excessive sugar intake and the associated increased obesity risk indicate that food reformulation is needed. Non-alcoholic beverages are often high in free sugars, making reformulation with low and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) a common choice. Our knowledge of the use of LNCS in the European food supply is, however, very limited. This study aimed to evaluate the trends in the use of LNCS in different non-alcoholic beverages in the Slovenian food supply over the course of two years. We assessed which LNCS are most used and how the use of LNCS affects energy and sugar content. We analyzed labeling information of non-alcoholic beverages in selected grocery stores, covering the majority of the Slovenian food supply. Selected grocery stores were located in the capital city (Ljubljana). LNCS were present in 13.2% and 15.5% of non-alcoholic beverages in the years 2017 and 2019, respectively. The use of LNCS has significantly increased only in energy drinks (p < 0.01). The most used LNCS in 2017 were acesulfame K, aspartame, and cyclamates. In 2019 the use of sucralose increased significantly (p < 0.01) to become the second most used LNCS. Energy and sugar content varied between subcategories, which depended on the presence of added sugar and LNCS. Comparison between the energy value and the presence of the LNCS showed an almost 50% lower energy content of beverages containing both added sugar and LNCS (E2017 = 92.8 kJ; E2019 = 96.2 kJ per 100 mL), compared with beverages with only added sugar (E2017 = 161.8 kJ; E2019 = 159.0 kJ per 100 mL). In beverages sweetened only with LNCS, the difference was even more noticeable (E2017 = 22.3 kJ; E2019 = 14.3 kJ per 100 mL). Results show that the use of LNCS can help producers reduce the energy value of non-alcoholic beverages. Still, compared to other countries, the offer of such products in the Slovenian food supply is relatively low. However, due to possible public health risks of excessive use of LNCS, producers should be further encouraged for reformulation and production of less sweet products without LNCS, enabling consumers to adapt to less sweet taste of beverages. Further monitoring of LNCS in the food supply is therefore recommended, preferably also with consideration of sales data.

Prevalence and Types of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners in the New Zealand Food Supply, 2013 and 2019

“…An international review found similar predominant categories i.e., beverages (soft drinks and juices) as the major source of NNS followed by dairy products, confectionery, and table-top sweeteners (included in our Special Foods category) [ 33 ]. Rising use of NNS in non-alcoholic drinks in our study was also reported in a recent study in Slovenia where the use of low and no-calorie sweeteners increased from 13.2% to 15.5% over a two year period (2017 and 2019) [ 34 ].…”

“…The food industry is responding to consumer demand for lower-sugar products with greater use of NNS; however, the industry should be encouraged to develop new products with lower sugar content and reformulate existing products using the successful sodium reduction model [ 37 ] by gradually reducing sugar levels over time to improve the consumer’s acceptance of lower sugar, less sweet products [ 34 ]. The UK government-led sodium reduction program uses timebound voluntary sodium reduction targets for over 80 processed food categories, which are lowered progressively over time, to prompt food product reformulation and allow time for consumers to adjust to any flavor changes [ 38 ].…”

The Sharp Rise in the Use of Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners in Non-Alcoholic Beverages in Slovenia: An Update Based on 2020 Data

“…Out of all foods and drinks, non-alcoholic beverages have been shown to be one of the major contributors to LNCS availability (15) and intake (24,25). In Slovenia, monitoring of the use of LNCS in non-alcoholic beverages was undertaken for products available in 2017, following by further data collection in 2019 (26). While no significant differences were observed in a comparative study (26), signs of increased use of LNCS were found, making this area very interesting for further research.…”

“…In Slovenia, monitoring of the use of LNCS in non-alcoholic beverages was undertaken for products available in 2017, following by further data collection in 2019 (26). While no significant differences were observed in a comparative study (26), signs of increased use of LNCS were found, making this area very interesting for further research. In Slovenia, there are currently no legislative restrictions or taxations for the content of sugars in sugary drinks.…”

Total and Free Sugar Levels and Main Types of Sugars Used in 18,784 Local and Imported Pre-Packaged Foods and Beverages Sold in Hong Kong

“…Substitution of sugars with artificial sweeteners is also often used as a strategy for reducing dietary sugar intake. Studies in Europe [66,67] and in Hong Kong [68] have found that the use of low calorie and artificial sweeteners is increasingly more common, whereby manufacturers utilize them to achieve a lower sugar content in their products without affecting taste. The potential health effects of this increased prevalence of low calorie and artificial sweetener use in the population's diet is largely unknown.…”