Wisdom Natural Brands® Embraces Upcoming FDA Labeling Guidelines Helping Consumers Identify Added Sugars
GILBERT, Ariz. (PRWEB) October 31, 2018 -- Awareness of the effects of added sugars is starting to change how Americans choose what they eat and drink, which is going to become a lot easier with the new labeling and nutrition guidelines ordered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. While it may take some time and guidance to get consumers used to the new labeling, Wisdom Natural Brands®, maker of SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener, believes the new labels are a boon for those demanding better-for-you options in foods and beverages with no artificial sweeteners and no added sugars.
“Recent studies have shown that Americans are more aware of the added sugars hidden in many of the beverages and foods that they consume,” said Carol May, CEO of Wisdom Natural Brands. “More than 68% of those surveyed said they want to cut down on added sugars. SweetLeaf is a great alternative to sugars because it gives you all of the sweetness you want, without calories, sugars, or artificial sweeteners, and a great, delicious taste.”
A recent study by the global food company Kerry showed that 7 out of 10 Americans read labels for sugar content. Excessive added dietary sugars have been linked to diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting daily sugars to 150 calories (9 teaspoons) for men and 100 calories (6 teaspoons) for women and children older than two. Children under the age of two should not consume sugars at all.
What many consumers might not know is that sugars are prevalent in packaged foods beyond desserts, cookies and cakes. Some products might boast that they are “natural” or “healthy” and still have added or hidden sugars. There are more than 60 different names for sugar on current food labels, including sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, barley malt, dextrose, maltose and rice syrup and more.
The new labels are intended to let consumers know exactly how much added sugar is in a food or beverage product and under what names. Although this could change, manufacturers with annual food sales of $10 million or more must make the changes by Jan. 1, 2020. Other manufacturers have until Jan. 1, 2021, to change their labels.
“Finally, instead of having consumers trying to decipher added sugars listed in the ingredients, there will be a line under ‘total sugars’ in the Nutrition Facts that clearly states the number of grams and percentage of ‘added sugars’ to your daily allotment,” May said. “It’s about time that consumers get this information, so they can take charge of tracking the sugars in their diets.”
SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener has no sugars, zero calories or carbs, no artificial sweeteners, and is gluten-free with a non-glycemic response. From SweetLeaf’s natural and organic packets, to fruit-flavored Water Drops™ for a yummy upgrade to still or sparkling water, to the delicious flavors of Sweet Drops™ in everyday beverages and foods, the SweetLeaf family of products adds award-winning taste without the negative health effects of added dietary sugars.
For more information about SweetLeaf, visit SweetLeaf.com. For interviews with company leadership, please contact the names listed at the bottom of the release.
About WISDOM NATURAL BRANDS®
Wisdom Natural Brands®, based in Gilbert, Ariz., has been the leading stevia expert and industry pioneer with its SweetLeaf® Stevia Sweetener brand for more than 35 years. SweetLeaf is the only stevia brand winning 31 awards for taste and innovation. SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener has zero calories, a non-glycemic response, no sugars, and no artificial ingredients. Wisdom introduced herbal beverages made from Yerba Maté through its Wisdom of the Ancients® brand, one of the most respected herbal beverage lines in the natural industry. Wisdom of the Ancients herbal beverages are available in bags and loose leaves and come in a variety of beneficial flavors. SweetLeaf and Wisdom of the Ancients products are available at health food stores, natural stores, supermarkets, and online retailers.
Website:
SweetLeaf.com
WisdomNaturalBrands.com
Barbara McFadden, MCFADDEN/GAVENDER, https://www.mcfaddengavender.com/, +1 5208826262, [email protected]
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