This movement is not unique to China. According to the International Food Information Council's 4 2024 Food & Health Survey, nearly three-quarters of Americans are trying to limit or avoid sugar, a trend that has been steadily increasing. Among this group, 60% specifically target added sugars.
However, the innate human preference for sweetness remains a significant factor. For consumers who do not restrict their sugar intake, a love for sweet taste is the primary reason, cited by 33% of American respondents in the same survey.
This dual consumer demand—for both health and sweetness—has catalyzed the rise of sugar substitutes. Consumers are seeking sweet flavors without the associated calories. A survey on Chinese consumers' awareness of sweeteners revealed that nearly half believe sugar substitutes are healthier than sugar, with over 60% citing "healthier" as their primary reason for choosing sugar-free products. This environment creates a vast and expanding market for sugar substitutes, known as sweeteners.
Erythritol Leads the Market, but Allulose Shows Superior Potential
The sweetener landscape is diverse, encompassing high-intensity options both synthetic (e.g., saccharin, cyclamate, aspartame) and natural (e.g., steviol glycosides, monk fruit extract), as well as bulk sweeteners (e.g., xylitol, maltitol, erythritol, allulose).
Currently, erythritol is the dominant product in China's sweetener market, commanding nearly 80% of the share in 2023. However, industry experts are closely watching allulose, which possesses a range of advantageous properties that position it as a potential next-generation star product.
D-Allulose is a rare sugar found naturally in small quantities in foods like raisins, figs, kiwi, and brown sugar. Its key advantages include:
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Sugar-Like Properties: It possesses physical characteristics nearly identical to sucrose, including taste, volume, browning capability (Maillard reaction), and freezing point, making it a superior 1:1 sugar replacement.
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Low Calorie Profile: It is approximately 70% as sweet as sucrose but contains minimal calories (0.4 kcal/g as determined by the FDA), offering significant health benefits.
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Improved Digestive Tolerance: Unlike many sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol), allulose is poorly fermented by gut microbiota, meaning it does not cause the digestive discomfort sometimes associated with other sweeteners.
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Versatility in Food Applications: Its stability and ability to participate in the Maillard reaction make it particularly well-suited for baking and other heat-processed foods, producing desirable browning and texture while generating antioxidants.
Global Regulatory Approvals Pave the Way for Market Growth
Allulose has already received regulatory approvals in key global markets, setting the stage for a new phase of development. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) excluded allulose from the "added sugar" and "total sugar" labels on Nutrition Facts panels and set its caloric value at 0.4 kcal/g. Following the FDA's decision, allulose has gained regulatory acceptance in 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Australia. While the European Union has not yet approved allulose, an industry alliance is actively advancing the approval process, with market entry potentially possible within 2-3 years.
A landmark moment for the Chinese market occurred in July 2025, when China's National Health Commission (NHC) officially approved D-Allulose as a "New Food Ingredient" ( part of the "Three New Foods" announcement). The recommended maximum daily intake is set at ≤20g.
This regulatory momentum is expected to fuel significant market expansion. Projections indicate that the global allulose market will reach $545 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8% from 2023 to 2030. The Chinese market is anticipated to be a major contributor, reaching $117.3 million and accounting for over 25% of the global total by 2030.
With its superior functional properties and growing global regulatory acceptance, allulose is strategically positioned to meet the escalating consumer demand for healthy, great-tasting sweetness, heralding a new era for the sweetener industry.
Source from：Sina Finance News
