Polyol Sweeteners MarketSize and Trends

The global polyol sweeteners market was valued at US$ 3,195.8 Million in 2022 and is expected to register a CAGR of 5.79% in terms of revenue, over the forecast period (2023–2030), to reach US$ 5,015.2 Million by 2030. Polyols are non-sugar carbohydrates and are considered potential sweeteners with reduced calorific value. Polyol sweeteners are also termed ‘sugar replacers’ or ‘sugar alcohols’ as their chemical structure resembles sugar. According to Calorie Control Council, polyols provide fewer calories per gram as compared to sugar. Currently available polyols sweeteners include erythritol, maltitol syrups, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. The product is also used as a beneficial "natural" ingredient in a variety of applications, including food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and other technical and chemical industries. The global polyol sweeteners market in the U.S. is expected to grow rapidly due to rising consumer demand for healthier and lower-calorie food products. Furthermore, the product is used in the tobacco, textile, and paper industries as a bulking agent, binder, humectant, and chemical reactant.

Global Polyol Sweeteners Market- Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global polyol sweeteners market, as it has affected the demand and supply of these products. Polyol sweeteners are used as sugar substitutes in various food and beverage products, including confectionary, bakery, and dairy items. The most significant impact of COVID-19 on the polyol sweeteners market has been a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier food options. As people become more health conscious and aware of the negative effects of excessive sugar intake, they are increasingly turning to sugar-free and low-calorie products, which has led to an increased demand for polyol sweeteners. On the other hand, the pandemic has also affected the supply chain of polyol sweeteners, as many manufacturers faced disruptions due to restrictions on the movement and transportation of goods. Additionally, some manufacturers faced supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, which affected their production and delivery schedules. For instance, Ingredion Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of polyol sweeteners, reported a decline in its net sale in the second quarter of 2020 due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic.

Global Polyol Sweeteners Market - Drivers

Rising Demand for Healthy Sugar Substitutes

The global polyol sweeteners market is expanding rapidly due to rising demand for healthier sugar substitutes. Sucrose, a common table sugar, has a high-calorie content and is thought to contribute to lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and tooth decay. Polyols are carbohydrates, so they are sugarless sweeteners. As sugar substitutes, these are commonly found in baked goods, carbonated beverages, powdered beverage mixtures, jams, jellies, and dairy products. They are also used in the production of frozen desserts, fruit juices, chewing gums, and gelatines. For instance, According to the American Heart Association, sugary drinks are the largest source of added sugars consumed by people. The rising demand for sugar-free beverages among consumers drives the growth of the global polyol sweeteners market.

Growing Demand from the Food and Beverages Industry

The food and beverage industry is constantly innovating and introducing new products to meet consumer demand. For instance, In March, 2018, Nestle recently launched a range of sugar-free chocolate bars in the U.K., which use a combination of polyol sweeteners and a natural sweetener called stevia. The bars are marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional chocolate bars, which are high in sugar. This factor may propel the growth of the global polyol sweereners market.

Technological Advancements

One of the main challenges with polyol sweeteners is their aftertaste and texture. However, new technologies are being developed to overcome these challenges. For instance, Cargill has developed a new polyol sweetener called Zerose, which has a clean taste and texture, making it suitable for use in a wide range of products. Cargill is an agribusiness company, providing products and services in the food, financial products, agricultural, industrial and risk management fields.

Global Polyol Sweeteners Market - Restraints

High Cost of Polyol Sweeteners

Polyol sweeteners are generally more expensive than traditional sugar. For instance, in the U.S., a 5-pound bag of granulated sugar can cost around US$ 2, whereas the same amount of erythritol or xylitol can cost up to 10 times as much. This higher cost can make it difficult for some consumers to justify purchasing polyol sweeteners. This factor may hinder the growth of the polyol sweetener market through out the forecast period.

Among function type, flavoring or sweetening agents accounted for the largest market share in 2022, with 63.20% of the share. Flavoring agents are among the most significant additives used in foods and medicines in order to enhance taste. They can be either naturally or synthetically obtained. Natural flavoring agents are substances such as essential oils, oleoresin, distillate, or any other essences acquired directly from natural products such as fruits, spices, animals, seafood, dairy, and others through a chemical process. The primary function of these agents is to provide flavor to eatables and not necessarily nutritional properties

Figure 1. Global Polyol Sweeteners Market, By Function, 2022