High-intensity Sweeteners Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Product (Sucralose, Stevia {Reb A}, Aspartame, Acesulfame-K), Type (Natural, Artificial), Form (Solid), Application (Beverages, Food, Pharmaceuticals) - Global Forecast to 2034

In terms of value, the Global High-intensity Sweeteners Market is projected to reach $5.37 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 5 % from 2024 to 2034. In terms of volume, the global high-intensity sweeteners market is expected to reach 110,871 tons by 2034, at a CAGR of 2.9% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2034.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Size & Forecast

This market’s growth is driven by factors such as the rising demand for functional foods, the growing incidence of diabetes & obesity, increasing consumer preference for natural products, increasing taxes on sugary beverages, and the growing adoption of high-intensity sweeteners in the beverage industry. However, stringent government regulations, the adverse health impacts of sugar substitutes, and fluctuating raw material prices restrain the growth of this market.

Furthermore, the growing popularity of high-intensity sweeteners in emerging economies and increasing R&D for the development of sugar-free products are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market. However, product labeling & claim issues are a major challenge in the high-intensity sweeteners market.

Additionally, the rising demand for clean-label products and the increasing adoption of healthy lifestyles are prominent trends in the high-intensity sweeteners market.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for Functional Foods

In recent years, there has been a steady increase in life expectancy. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and are embracing healthy lifestyles and dietary habits. As a result, F&B manufacturers are focused on improving product quality. Countries worldwide are undergoing a nutritional transition and facing the dual burden of nutritional problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), undernutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies continue to remain major challenges, with imbalanced diets and chronic diseases simultaneously becoming alarmingly common.

Furthermore, according to an NIH-funded study, a healthy diet improves overall health and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. The healthy eating trend is gaining traction, significantly driving the development of healthy food products. High-intensity sweeteners are emerging as important ingredients in the formulation of functional foods and dietary supplements due to their low caloric content and glycemic index. Moreover, with rising obesity rates, growth in the aging population, an increase in sedentary lifestyles, and increased consumer interest in health and nutrition, the demand for functional foods is also increasing across developing countries.

The global demand for functional foods is mainly driven by increasing consumer awareness regarding micronutrient deficiencies, growing health concerns, the increasing incidence of diseases, and rising disposable incomes. Also, the rise in chronic disease prevalence is increasing consumer interest in nutritious foods. For instance, according to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2022 Food and Health Survey, 52% of Americans followed a specific diet in 2022, up from 39% in 2021, 43% in 2020, and 38% in 2019. The primary motivations for adopting new diets were protecting long-term health (35%) and losing weight (34%).

The consumption of functional foods with high-intensity sweeteners helps limit the intake of simple sugars that are higher in calories and potentially linked to various diseases. As a result, these products are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. Hence, the manufacturers of functional foods are increasingly utilizing high-intensity sweeteners in their products, driving the growth of this market.

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Increasing Consumer Preference for Natural Products

Rising death rates due to heart diseases, stroke, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes and increasing health consciousness have encouraged a large section of the global population to shift to low-calorie and nutritional foods. This shift has boosted the utilization of natural ingredients as a replacement for artificial ingredients. Natural sweeteners are widely used in food formulations to replace sugar. Stevia and monk fruit are among the major natural high-intensity sweeteners used in all types of foods, including dairy, bakery, confectionery, beverages, and functional foods. Consumers’ rising health consciousness has boosted the demand for low-calorie, healthier foods without artificial ingredients, driving the utilization of natural sweeteners in the manufacture of natural food & beverage products.

According to the PureCircle Stevia Institute, more than 150 countries worldwide have approved and/or adopted the use of stevia leaf extract in a variety of food and beverage products. The use of natural sweeteners in food & beverage products has increased significantly. For instance, Pepsi and Coca-Cola have started using stevia in their soft drinks. Additionally, according to the International Stevia Council, in 2021-2022, 21% of stevia-based food & beverage products launched globally were from the sports nutrition category. Furthermore, according to Cargill Incorporated, the number of natural sweetener-based products launched annually increased from 377 products in 2009 to 5,710 in 2019.

Thus, the growing demand for natural F&B products is driving the utilization of natural high-intensity sweeteners, supporting market growth.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Trends

Rising Demand for Clean-label Products

‘Clean-label’ is a consumer-driven movement demanding a return to real food and transparency through authenticity. It refers to using a few ingredients that are easily recognized by consumers, derived from completely natural sources, and grown as per non-GMO organic standards. Consumers demand transparency in information on the ingredients used and their source for better understanding. According to Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. (U.S.), the global clean-label ingredients market is expected to be valued at USD 64.1 billion by 2026. According to Ingredion’s ATLAS survey conducted in 2023, around 78% of the respondents were ready to pay more for products with ‘clean-label’ and ‘natural’ claims. Furthermore, according to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2021 survey, around 64% of adults in the U.S. favored foods made with clean-label ingredients, and 20% frequently bought food & beverage products made with clean-label ingredients.

According to Tate & Lyle Proprietary Research, in 2020, 84% of consumers read ingredient labels, and 80% read nutrition labels, indicating a growing consumer preference for food products without sugars. Hence, natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, agave, tapioca syrup, and honey are being increasingly used to replace sugars.

According to The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), food companies are most accountable for transparency. Food Information Regulation Europe and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have imposed regulations on food product manufacturers, stating that label information must be appropriate, should reflect scientific information, and should not be misleading. The clean-label concept has now extended from labeling to processing, further escalating adherence to processing and production in line with the clean-label concept. The clean-label movement has led to an increase in the adoption of natural sweeteners in the beverage industry. For instance, in January 2021, BRANDT, Inc. (U.S.) partnered with Hello Beverages, LLC (Chicago) to produce a new concept beverage based on a new patented technology called CYTO Plus. The product supports immunity and toxin elimination and is sweetened with stevia extracts.

Thus, rising consumer preference for clean-label products is a prominent trend expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

Increasing Adoption of Healthy Lifestyles

Increasing health issues are encouraging consumers to adopt healthy living through the consumption of healthy foods. Increasing urbanization has further intensified lifestyle changes.

Health-conscious consumers prefer foods that contain low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners. Replacing sugar with sweeteners has allowed consumers to reduce their intake of sugars and excess calories. According to Kerry Group plc (Ireland), in 2023, 79% of 12,784 respondents from 24 countries stated finding reduced-sugar products healthier, with 75% of the respondents preferring natural sweeteners. According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), over 74% of Americans avoided or had limited sugar intake in 2020, a decrease compared to 80% in 2019.

Diabetes, obesity, and heart stroke are major health concerns globally. People with diabetes also find it difficult to overcome their cravings for sweets. The use of high-intensity sweeteners helps them satiate their cravings and allows them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. People of all ages are increasingly trying to adopt healthier lifestyles, with elders preferring to feed healthy foods to the children in their families. Consumers prefer to have food and drinks that help sustain their healthy living and support their wellness.

Thus, the increasing adoption of healthy lifestyles is a major trend supporting the growth of the high-intensity sweeteners market.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Opportunity

Increasing R&D for the Development of Sugar-free Products

Manufacturers have increased investments in R&D for the development of sugar-free products to capture larger market shares. Increasing health concerns related to sugar consumption have encouraged consumers to opt for low-calorie healthy foods containing low-calorie sweeteners. Food & beverage and high-intensity sweetener manufacturing companies are increasingly investing in the development of sugar-free products.

Some of the key developments in this space are as follows:

• In May 2024, Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd (China) launched SoPure Andromeda, a stevia product for beverage applications to reduce sugar content in beverages.
• In July 2023, Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.) launched TASTEVA SOL Stevia Sweetener, a premium-tasting stevia with over 200x the solubility of Reb M and D products on the market.
• In July 2023, Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd (China) launched SoPure Galaxy-Series, a stevia product range formulated to enhance dairy applications and meet the growing consumer demand for healthier and more natural dairy products.
• In June 2023, Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.) launched PureCircle Clean Taste Solutions for categories such as beverages, dairy, tea, coffee, sports nutrition, bakery, confectionery, savory, sauces, and dressings.
• In November 2020, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. launched AJISWEET RA, a stevia-based sweetener with reduced bitterness for use as a sugar substitute in beverages and confectioneries.
• PepsiCo’s R&D wing is helping drive PepsiCo’s business by developing nutritious food & beverage products by incorporating natural sweeteners to reduce sugar.
• HYET Sweet has developed a tableting process through which the company offers tablets comprising a mixture of aspartame, acesulfame-k, sucralose, and steviol glycosides. These tablets are easily dissolved in hot beverages.

These increasing R&D activities are creating opportunities for market growth.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Product: The Stevia Segment to Dominate the High-intensity Sweeteners Market in 2024

Based on product, the high-intensity sweeteners market is segmented into stevia, sucralose, aspartame, acesulfame-k, neotame, saccharin, Luo Han Guo [monk fruit], neotame, and other high-intensity sweeteners. In terms of value, in 2024, the stevia segment is expected to account for the largest share of 23.3% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to factors such as increasing consumer awareness about the health benefits of consuming food products with natural ingredients and consumers’ growing preference for clean-label & healthy products with reduced sugar.

The stevia is further segmented into Rebaudioside A, Rebaudioside D, Rebaudioside M, and other stevia products. In terms of value, in 2024, the Rebaudioside A segment is expected to account for the largest share of 30.3% of the global stevia market. This segment’s large market share is primarily attributed to its easy availability, cost-effective compared to other stevia types, various functional properties, and ease of use in different applications.

In terms of volume, the aspartame segment is expected to account for the largest share of 27.3% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to its easy availability and its widespread adoption across various industries, including food & beverage and pharmaceuticals, due to its versatility in applications. Moreover, factors such as the presence of several key manufacturers of aspartame, its cost-effectiveness over natural counterparts, and its favorable taste profile collectively make it a preferred choice among its customers.

By Type: The Artificial High-intensity Sweeteners Segment to Dominate the High-intensity Sweeteners Market in 2024

Based on type, the high-intensity sweeteners market is segmented into artificial high-intensity sweeteners and natural high-intensity sweeteners. In 2024, the artificial high-intensity sweeteners segment is expected to account for the larger share of 65.2% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the wide availability, lower cost, and extended shelf life of artificial high-intensity sweeteners in comparison to natural high-intensity sweeteners and their wide range of applications.

By Form: The Solid Segment to Dominate the High-intensity Sweeteners Market in 2024

Based on form, the high-intensity sweeteners market is segmented into solid and liquid. In 2024, the solid segment is expected to account for the larger share of 88.3% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the benefits offered by solid high-intensity sweeteners, such as ease of handling, transportation, and storage, wide availability, extended shelf life, and effective product formulation.

Furthermore, this segment is also anticipated to register a higher CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period of 2024–2034. The high concentration and ease of use in various applications offered by powdered high-intensity sweeteners due to their high mixability further contribute to the growth of this segment.

By Application: The Beverages Segment to Dominate the High-intensity Sweeteners Market in 2024

Based on application, the high-intensity sweeteners market is segmented into beverages, food, nutrition & health supplements, pharmaceuticals, and other applications. In terms of value, in 2024, the beverages segment is expected to account for the largest share of 45.2% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. This segment’s large market share is attributed to the health benefits of high-intensity sweeteners in beverages, the rising product development and launches of high-intensity sweetener-based beverages, and the increasing demand for sugar-free beverages. In addition, the growing demand for natural health & sports drinks with enhanced nutritional value contributes to the growth of this segment.

Geographic Analysis

North America to Dominate the High-intensity Sweeteners Market in 2024

Based on geography, the high-intensity sweeteners market is divided into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In terms of value, in 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 43.5% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market. The high-intensity sweeteners market in North America is expected to reach $1.43 billion in 2024. Moreover, in terms of volume, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 41.2% of the global high-intensity sweeteners market.

However, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period of 2024–2034. The growth of this regional market can be attributed to factors such as changing lifestyles, the emerging trend of healthy food & food ingredients, rising awareness about the health benefits of sugar-free products, rapid urbanization, and the growing incidence of diabetes and obesity in the region. Furthermore, the government taxes imposed on sugar-sweetened products support the growth of the high-intensity sweeteners market in the region.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market: Key Companies

This report includes a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past 3 to 4 years. The key players operating in the global high-intensity sweeteners market are Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.), Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (U.S.), Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.), Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.), JK Sucralose Inc. (China), The NutraSweet Co. (Part of Manus Bio) (U.S.), Ajinomoto Co., Inc. (Japan), HSWT France SAS (France), Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd. (China), Guilin Layn Natural Ingredients Corp. (China), Celanese Corporation (U.S.), and Foodchem International Corporation (China).

High-intensity Sweeteners Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In May 2024, Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd. (China) launched SoPure Andromeda, a stevia-based product designed specifically to formulate clean-label beverage products.
• In November 2023, Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.) planned to expand its PureCircle stevia production facility in Malaysia in forthcoming years. This expansion will substantially increase the production capacity and availability of stevia leaf ingredients for replacing sugar and artificial sweeteners across food and beverage categories.
• In September 2023, Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.) partnered with IMCD N.V. (Netherlands) to distribute PROMITOR Soluble Fibres, CLARIA Clean Label Starches, stevia sweeteners, and stabilizer systems to its customers in Finland and the Baltic region.

High-intensity Sweeteners Market Research Summary

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