Some people find drinking water tasteless, so can sugary drinks, coffee, tea replace the daily intake of water? Dietitians say no. Why can't sugary drinks replace water intake? A large number of studies have proved that sugar is closely related to a series of health problems. The sugar intake through drinks is more than the sugar intake from food. If drinking water is replaced by milk tea, cola and fruit juice for a long time, it will bring certain health risks.
China is the world's third largest sugar market, sugar reduction, sugar control has been written into the policy advocacy. China's sugar consumption has slowed down in the past five years, with an average annual compound growth rate of less than 1%, according to data released by China Business Data Center (CBNData). But under the impact of COVID-19, more and more people are realizing the importance of health. Data from Mintel show that with the significant increase in the proportion of low/no/reduced sugar products in the new non-alcoholic beverage products launched in recent years, sugar reduction products have entered the outbreak period. The social voice volume data of COFCO big data platform also shows that the social voice volume of "0 sugar drink" increased by nearly 100% + year on year in 2020.
The international community is conducting in-depth research on the harm of sugar to human body.
A large number of studies have shown that excessive intake of sugar not only increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but also indirectly promotes the incidence of cancer by causing obesity, inflammation and oxidative mechanisms. Zhou Maigeng and others from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported in a paper published in the European Journal of Public Health that the number of deaths from excessive consumption of sugary drinks in China has nearly doubled in the past 30 years, and the death rate from excessive consumption of sugary drinks has increased by 35 percent. Studies show that the excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages leads to a particularly high burden of death from cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
In its Sugar Intake Guidelines for adults and Children, WHO recommends limiting "free sugars" (sugars added to foods and found naturally in honey, syrups, fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates) to less than 5% of total energy intake. The Dietary Guidelines for Chinese residents also suggest limiting the intake of added sugars to no more than 50 grams per day for adults, and preferably less than 25 grams per day.
China's non-staple food circulation Association has promulgated "General Requirements for children's snacks", and put forward new requirements for "less added sugar, salt and oil". The Action Plan for Healthy Oral Health (2019-2025), issued by the General Office of the National Health Commission, calls for a special campaign to reduce sugar. In conjunction with the construction of healthy schools, primary and secondary schools and nursery schools will limit the sale of high-sugar drinks and snacks, and canteens will reduce the supply of sugary drinks and high-sugar food.
The outbreak of the epidemic and the rise of obesity have also prompted more people to pay attention to sugar and join the fight against sugar.
More and more consumers believe that reducing sugar intake is better for physical health, and they are constantly trying to buy sugar-free or less sugar products.
According to the 2022 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), 73% of consumers say they are trying to limit or avoid sugar in their diets. According to the "Understanding Life" consumption report released by Hema, with people's continuous pursuit of higher quality and more convenient life, citizens are now more exquisite in consumption, healthier life and greener concept, and young people prefer low-calorie food.
Low sugar content and no sucrose will certainly become an important direction in the future upgrade of the food industry.
Driven by this consumption situation, less sugar and no sugar will inevitably become an important direction in the future upgrade of the food industry. Many enterprises are also following the trend to meet the new needs of consumers and introduce more healthy and low-sugar products. In their publicity, they constantly highlight the idea of "healthy, low-sugar and zero sugar", so as to achieve differentiation and gain competitive advantages. Some brands have presented positive and healthy images such as "healthy drink" and "sugar-free leader" since their inception, which are popular among young people and those who need to lose weight.
