Options for reducing sugar are increasing in everyday foods, from snacks to sauces and ready-to-eat meals. As demand grows for lower sugar options that maintain the taste and convenience of familiar foods, food companies are rapidly expanding their low-sugar product lines.
According to industry reports, low-sugar products are spreading beyond beverages to include snacks, dairy products, sauces, and convenience foods. Market research firm Euromonitor indicates that the domestic low-sugar food market has grown from 90.3 billion won in 2016 to over 300 billion won in 2022, and reached 400 billion won last year. The search volume for 'low sugar' on 11th Street increased more than fivefold from January to August this year compared to the same period last year.
In response to the rising demand for low-sugar options, food companies are either reducing the sugar content in existing products or launching dedicated brands. Haitai Confectionery introduced its first low-sugar brand, 'Ro Shu,' on October 12. The initial products, 'Low-Sugar Mini Wafers' in dark chocolate and yellow cheese flavors, contain about 90% less sugar than their regular counterparts and include added dietary fiber. The company plans to expand its product range to include various snacks and desserts.
Seoul Milk Cooperative has released a version of 'Biyott Chocolate Rings' with 45% less sugar, while Jeong Sik Pum has launched 'Vegemil Daily Low-Sugar Soy Milk' without added sugar.
The competition for low-sugar products is quickly shifting from snacks to sauces and meal items, which are purchased more frequently. Samlip's 'Pig in the Garden' low-sugar sauces and dressings surpassed 300,000 units in cumulative sales within seven months of their launch in March. Dongwon Home Food operates around 55 varieties of low-sugar and low-calorie sauces under its 'Vivid Kitchen' brand, expanding into convenience foods, cooking seasonings, jams, and beverages.
Convenience food companies are focusing on reducing sugar content in meal options. CJ CheilJedang has revamped its 'Balance Meal' brand for everyday meal management, launching three low-sugar lunch boxes last month, following protein shakes, bars, and ciabatta. Ottogi has expanded its low-sugar brand 'Light & Joy,' launched in April last year, to include over 60 products such as sauces, tuna, burritos, soups, and pancake mixes.
There are also examples of health-focused products being grouped under dedicated brands to broaden consumer engagement. Paris Baguette's 'Blue Label,' introduced in February last year, has expanded from healthy bread to include sandwiches, desserts, and beverages, achieving cumulative sales of over 34 million units in South Korea.
The rise of low-sugar products is driven by a consumer trend toward 'healthy pleasure,' where individuals seek to enjoy delicious foods while maintaining their health. Instead of eliminating favorite foods, many are opting to reduce sugar in familiar products as a regular health management strategy.
For food companies, low-sugar products represent an opportunity to meet existing customers' health management needs while attracting new ones. As they expand into frequently purchased items like sauces and convenience foods, the sustainability of the market is likely to increase. However, minimizing taste differences through alternative sweeteners and formulation techniques is seen as a key challenge for encouraging repeat purchases.
An industry insider noted, "Demand is growing for reducing sugar burdens in familiar foods rather than sacrificing the enjoyment of eating for health management. For low-sugar products to become a regular choice, they must consistently offer competitive taste and pricing that appeals to consumers."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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