In response to changing consumer habits and growing demand for a more balanced diet, Sabará Group’s business unit introduces healthier alternatives that challenge sugar’s reputation as a dietary villain and highlight its potential as an important source of energy and nutrients
People were already paying closer attention to their eating habits well before the pandemic.
A study conducted by research firm Euromonitor and published by Sebrae found that 28% of Brazilians consider eating nutrient-rich foods very important, while 22% choose to buy natural foods without preservatives.
Brazil currently ranks fourth worldwide in sales of healthy food and beverages, in a market worth approximately USD 35 billion annually.
“As people become more concerned about their immune health and overall well-being, they are increasingly choosing organic foods and products rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, and magnesium. Although sugar is often regarded as the enemy of a healthy diet, unrefined sugar contains important nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, iron, chlorine, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and B vitamins. Rather than eliminating it entirely, the key is to consume it in moderation.”
There are already products on the market that deliver sweetness without compromising on quality or healthfulness.
“Our sugars are made from organically grown sugarcane, without the use of pesticides that can harm human health. They are also available in liquid form, making them easier for manufacturers to handle and preventing them from hardening during storage. This helps reduce waste and improve product yield when manufacturing foods that combine health benefits with great taste for the B2C market,” explains Lilia Kawazoe, Commercial Manager at Concepta Ingredients, a business unit of Sabará Group with an extensive portfolio of ingredients for the food industry, including its Sugar Line.
The Organic Liquid Sugars line, which includes muscovado and demerara varieties, contains no chemical additives, artificial ingredients, or pesticides.
Muscovado sugar, for example, undergoes no refining, helping preserve the minerals and phytosterols naturally found in sugarcane. Demerara sugar, on the other hand, is less refined than standard white sugar, retaining more of the nutrients naturally present in sugarcane.
Other sugar characteristics that manufacturers should consider when developing finished products include:
