In the post-pandemic era, there's been a significant global shift towards healthier lifestyles, with reducing sugar intake often being a primary focus. The first article of our "One Problem, Many Solutions" series examines the sugar-free trend in Indonesia and explores various sugar alternatives for brands aiming to cater to this growing demand.

The Sugar-Free Trend in Indonesia

According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2021, 10.8% of Indonesian adults—approximately 19.5 million people—were living with diabetes (1). Projections suggest this figure could rise to 16.09% by 2045, affecting around 40.7 million individuals (2).

Indonesia's rich culinary heritage includes a variety of sweet delicacies, reflecting a cultural preference for sugary foods. However, with the rising prevalence of diabetes, there's an increasing consumer demand for reduced-sugar and sugar-free products. This presents a valuable opportunity for brands to align with this health-conscious trend.

Stevia's Rise to Popularity

Stevia has emerged as a prominent natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It's commonly used in beverages and food products, as well as standalone sweeteners in powder and liquid forms.

Stevia is approximately 250–300 times sweeter than sugar, offering sweetness without significantly impacting blood glucose levels due to its low glycemic index (3).

The sweetness comes from compounds called steviol glycosides, with common variants including:

Stevioside: Offers a sweet taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Rebaudioside A (Reb A): Sweeter and less bitter, commonly used in commercial products.
Rebaudioside D (Reb D) and M (Reb M): Newer variants with minimal aftertaste, providing a more sugar-like experience.

Alternatives to Stevia

While stevia is a popular choice, several other sugar alternatives are available:

Sorbitol: A sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits, used in sugar-free products.
Xylitol: A sugar alcohol with a sweetness similar to sugar, often used in dental products due to its oral health benefits.
Monk Fruit Extract: A natural sweetener derived from monk fruit, offering zero calories and a sweetness up to 250 times that of sugar.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol with zero calories, often combined with other sweeteners to enhance taste.
Sucralose: An artificial sweetener derived from sugar, providing high sweetness without calories.
Fructose: A naturally occurring sugar found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables, sweeter than glucose and sucrose, allowing for lower quantities in formulations.

Comparing Sugar Alternatives

To assist in selecting the most suitable sugar alternative, here's a comparison chart:

sugar alternative comparison chart — *Sugar alternative comparison chart*

Conclusion

Reducing sugar intake is crucial for health, and various alternatives are available to meet consumer preferences. While stevia is a popular choice, exploring other options can help brands stand out and cater to the growing demand for healthier products.

If you're looking to make your products healthier or have questions about the best sugar alternatives, we're here to help. Contact us or visit our website (dbkemindo.com) to explore how we can assist you in formulating products that align with current health trends.