Sugar alcohols are considered to be the best alternative for natural sugars. In today’s world, people are becoming more conscious about their health and diet especially those living with diabetes and obesity. As the name suggests, sugar alcohols are like a hybrid of sugar and alcohol molecules and are categorized under sweet carbohydrates. They are produced from a wide range of sources including fruits, grains, molasses, sugar beet, sugarcane, and many more which is making them more popular in the food & beverages industry.
The growing prevalence of diabetes & obesity and rise in focus on a better & healthy lifestyle are the factors that are shifting the consumer’s preference towards the use of sugar alcohols which in turn is driving the growth of the global sugar alcohol market. Also, the favorable regulatory authorities supporting the approval of sugar alcohols such as maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and others have generated trust among the consumers regarding its safe use in drinks and foods. In addition to this, sugar alcohols are extensively used in few medications, laxatives, toothpaste, as a food additive in processed food, and as a low-calorie sweetener in sugar-free candies, chewing gums & other food products labeled as ‘no sugar added’ or ‘sugar-free’. All these factors coupled with growing demand for sugar alcohols from the sweet tooth population are accelerating the growth of the global market. Moreover, expanding use of sugar alcohols in bakery & dairy products and beverages may offer ample opportunities for the growth of the global sugar alcohol market.
The global sugar alcohol market is bifurcated based on product type, application, form, and region. Based on the product type, the global sugar alcohol market is divided into sorbitol, lactitol, maltitol, xylitol, mannitol, and others. Sugar alcohol holds its application in cosmetics & personal care, pharmaceutical, food & beverages, and others. Sugar alcohols are available in liquid & syrup form and powder & crystal form.
Europe is anticipated to take over the global sugar alcohol market and contribute to the maximum share during the forecast period. This is due to the rise in focus towards healthy lifestyle and self-care has led to increase in use of low-calorie food products. North America is estimated to be the second-largest contributor to the global market owing to growing prevalence of diabetes and rise in demand for sugar alcohol in the pharmaceutical & cosmetic sectors. Asia Pacific is likely to be the fastest-growing region and this is attributable to the presence of key manufacturers of sugar alcohol in India & China and growing use of sugar alcohol in hand sanitizer.
Some of the predominant players operating in the global sugar alcohol market are Tate & Lyle Plc., Associated British Foods plc, BENEO GmbH, Bernard Food Industries, Mitsubishi Shoji Foodtech Co. Ltd., MacAndrews & Forbes Incorporated, Roquette Freres, Cargill, Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, and Archer Daniels Midland Company. To meet the demand of health-conscious consumers and serve as a boon to several industrialists seeking to provide products with no artificial sources of sweetness and reduced sugar content, Ingredion launched its first sugar alcohol sweetener, ERYSTA Erythritol in May 2020.