Over the past decade, sugar reduction has gradually evolved from a niche health issue to a mainstream trend in the global food and beverage industry. By 2024, market enthusiasm for "sugar-free" and "low-sugar" foods will continue to grow, particularly in the candy and snack sectors, where consumers are increasingly sensitive to the sugar content behind sweetness. MiniCrush, a specialized manufacturer specializing in freeze-dried candies, jellies, and gummies, continuously tracks international sugar control trends and has accumulated extensive experience in developing and exporting sugar-free and low-sugar formulations.
Our observations of the European, American, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian markets clearly demonstrate that "sugar-free" is no longer a fringe demand but a crucial product upgrade path for food companies.
1. International regulations and consumer awareness accelerate the sugar-free trend
According to 2024 data from Innova Market Insights, over 67% of consumers worldwide are actively seeking low-sugar or sugar-free foods. This trend is driven not only by rising health awareness but also by regulatory and policy initiatives.
▍Regulatory Level: Sugar Taxes Drive Industrial Restructuring
Countries such as the UK, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia have successively implemented taxes on sugary beverages, driving sales restrictions on high-sugar products.
EU food labeling regulations strictly require nutritional information labeling, requiring manufacturers to clearly indicate the content of added and natural sugars.
Middle East GCC regional standards limit the sugar content of children's foods, guiding companies to provide "clean sweet" products.
MiniCrush's export department noted that Middle Eastern buyers have extremely high expectations for transparency in sugar labeling and the safety of sugar substitutes when inquiring. Some major retailers even require "no added sucrose" as a prerequisite for listing.
▍Consumer Level: Sugar Control Is No Longer Limited to Diabetics
Young consumers (aged 18-35) are currently the largest purchasing group for "sugar-control snacks."
Sugar control is no longer limited to blood sugar levels; more people are motivated by goals such as fat loss, calorie control, anti-inflammatory measures, and anti-aging.
#sugarfree has generated over 50 million posts on social media globally, creating a strong consumer sentiment.
2. From "Sugar Reduction" to "Sugar-Free": A Recipe Revolution is Key
Sugar can't just be "reduced"; it can be "replaced" through technology. In this market trend, MiniCrush is precisely responding to the following three formulation strategies:
1. Innovation in Sugar Substitutes: Driving the "Sweet Without Sugar" Taste Revolution
Traditional sucrose, while offering a stable flavor, has a high glycemic index and high calories. In its new formulations, MiniCrush frequently uses the following sugar substitutes:
Erythritol: Extremely low in calories, not metabolized by the body, and suitable for diabetics;
Stevioside: Derived from the natural stevia plant, it is 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose;
Allulose: Similar in structure to fructose, it is low in calories and has a taste similar to sucrose, earning it the title of "the new generation of sugar substitutes";
Mogroside: Extracted from natural fruit, it offers a pure sweetness and has seen rapid growth in usage in the European and American markets in recent years.
MiniCrush's sugar-free freeze-dried soft candy series uses a combination of erythritol and stevia to simulate a stable sweetness with virtually no calorie burden, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
2. Fiber-Based Sugar Replacement Structures Create "Functional Sweetness"
Beginning in 2025, MiniCrush will incorporate more soluble dietary fiber (such as resistant dextrins and inulin) into its low-sugar jellies and soft candies.
This will help reduce the total net sugar content;
Improve taste and texture (maintaining a chewy texture);
Increase satiety and intestinal friendliness.
MiniCrush's "Light Sugar Jelly Bars" utilize a combination of "juice + inulin + oligosaccharides" to achieve a balanced sweetness, nutrition, and structure, earning high recognition in functional food channels in Europe and the United States.
3. Freeze-Drying Empowers and Reduces Sugar Dependence
Unlike traditional candies, which require a large amount of sugar to maintain their structure, MiniCrush's signature freeze-drying technology removes water and concentrates flavor, allowing the product to retain its crispness and natural fruity flavor while reducing added sugar. This technology fundamentally reduces dependence on sugar and is a carrier of a natural "low-sugar feeling".
III. Category Expansion: From Candy to a Broader Range of "Sweetness Carriers"
MiniCrush observes that the current "sugar-free/low-sugar" trend is not only impacting candy, but is also rapidly penetrating the following categories:
Category Application
| Freeze-dried Ice Cream | A sucrose-free ice cream recipe sweetened with erythritol |
| Jelly/Pudding | A low-sugar sweetness achieved through natural fruit juice and fiber |
| Gummy Candies | Various export products replace gelatin and low-sugar glucose syrup |
| Gummy Candies | Stevia and allulose are used to control overall calories |
MiniCrush has applied its sugar-free technology to over ten SKUs, including freeze-dried fruit juice tablets, vitamin C gummies, and freeze-dried bubble gum. The company is also developing sugar-free functional snacks, such as immunity gummies and probiotic jellies.
IV. Market Outlook: The Sugar-Free Market is Projected to Reach $100 Billion
According to Grand View Research, the global sugar-free food market is expected to reach $135 billion by 2027, with Asia Pacific and the Middle East as the fastest-growing markets, achieving a CAGR exceeding 8%. Among them, "sugar-free candies," "sugar-free baked goods," and "sugar-free functional foods" are listed as the three major growth drivers.
MiniCrush has also established a dedicated export line for sugar-free products, aligning with labeling regulations in markets such as the Middle East, Europe, and North America. We provide customized support throughout the entire process, including labeling compliance, sweetness adjustment, and stability testing.
V. MiniCrush Brand Outlook: Integrating "Sugar Management" into Every Candy
Facing the sugar-free trend, MiniCrush does not view it as a limitation, but rather as an opportunity for product innovation and upgrades. Over the next three years, MiniCrush will continue to advance the following strategies:
Establish a "Sugar-Free Lab" to develop next-generation sweetening technology;
Add at least six new sugar-free/low-sugar SKUs annually to meet diverse market needs;
Strengthen international regulatory research to help customers quickly achieve labeling compliance;
Collaborate with nutrition research institutions to promote awareness and consumer education about sugar substitutes;
Promote the concept of "functional sweetness," combining sweetness with health benefits to create a truly new category for "healthy candy."
