Consumer Demand Calls for a New “Sweet Spot” in Sports Nutrition

Sports nutrition continues to gain momentum in both sports and mainstream markets these days. Luckily for sports and nutrition enthusiasts, the increased consumer demand for healthy, well-rounded sports nutrition products has led to an overall shift towards wholesome, cleaner, and sugar-free alternatives to traditional supplements. Still, the sheer volume of products on the market can make it difficult to pick the perfect product for them. In this article, we’ll break it down and show you what you should look for in terms of the right sports nutrition for your healthy diet.

Read and Recognize the Labels

The call for cleaner sports nutrition drives many consumers to seek clean-label products. What does that mean for you? Simply put, seek out the labels that boldly proclaim they’re “free of” or “free from” additives like artificial flavors, sweeteners, and colors. Be aware, however, that the many consumers still prefer the sweet taste of nutritional supplements, and manufacturers continue to seek out cleaner, sugar-free alternatives that meet consumer wants.

Because sugar is an absolute no-no in sports nutrition, product purity has brought plant-based sweeteners like monk fruit and stevia to light. Stevia, which has led the clean sweetener market for some time now, offers sweetness without the guilt. Monk fruit, while still relatively new, is gaining in popularity due to its no-calorie, naturally-sweet composition with a glycemic index of 01.

Finding the Perfect Composition

John Peters, President of Beneo2, a company providing functional food ingredients for healthier nutrition says, “Alternative sweeteners are redefining the common approach of the sports nutrition industry. They shift focus from carbohydrate and protein utilization toward improved blood sugar management and fat burning.”

Monk fruit has many other benefits to its name, as well. It contains essential antioxidants, has zero calories, and is safe to be consumed by diabetics. By combining monk fruit and erythritol together, manufacturers can more delicately balance taste, enhance and boost natural flavor, and reduce the need for traditional sugar. Best of all, since most sports nutrition is inherently bitter, the use of these two sweeteners together allows them to reduce the bitterness and offer consumers a taste profile they’ll enjoy.

Your Key Takeaway

Sports nutrition encompasses more than just shakes and smoothies. It includes baked goods, snackables, and products that consumers can take on-the-go. Remember that, when searching for your supplements, reading the labels is essential. Check for artificial ingredients, avoid those that are sugar-laden, and opt for cleaner, sugar-free options that won’t take away from your goals.