Amid rising consumer spending on processed foods such as snacks and beverages, and growing interest in low-sugar and zero-sugar (sugar-free) foods, the food industry is successively launching new products that reduce sugar content while maintaining taste and texture.

According to an analysis of Household Income and Expenditure Survey data from the Korea National Statistical Office released by the Korea Rural Economic Institute on the 24th, the average monthly household expenditure on sugars and confectionery per household in the second quarter of this year was 33,300 won, a 4.7% increase compared to the same period last year.

Sugars and confectionery accounted for the largest expenditure among detailed categories of processed foods.

By item, household spending on traditional Korean confectionery (hangwa) and other snacks rose 6.4% year-on-year to 16,600 won, while spending on soy milk increased by 4.2% to 2,500 won.

Simultaneously, preference for "zero foods" designed to be low in sugar and calories has also grown.

According to Lotte Members' "L.POINT Trend Report," the proportion of consumers who purchased zero-sugar foods at least once from September of last year to August of this year stood at 29.3%, up 3.0 percentage points from two years ago (26.3%).

The sales share of zero-sugar products also rose from 5.8% to 6.8% over the same period.

In response, the food industry is expanding its low-sugar and zero-sugar snack product lines by lowering the sugar content of existing products or incorporating new flavors.

Kellogg's, under Mars Korea, recently introduced "Protein Granola Zero Sugar Dark Choco," adding a dark chocolate flavor while maintaining the zero-sugar, high-protein design of its "Protein Granola Zero Sugar" launched last year.

The company explained that the product utilizes five whole grains—whole wheat, oats, brown rice, rye, and black rice—while also containing protein and dietary fiber.

Haaitae Confectionery recently launched its first low-sugar brand, "Loch," and released "Low-Sugar Mini Wafers" in two flavors—dark chocolate and yellow cheese—which reduce sugar content by approximately 90% compared to existing products.

The beverage industry has also seen a continuous rollout of low-sugar and zero-sugar products.

Maeil Dairies introduced "Maeil Soy Milk Chocolate Low-Sugar," featuring a chocolate flavor with a low-sugar design, and "Amazing Oat Matcha," which combines oats with domestic Gochang matcha and Hadong green tea.

Dongsuh Foods released "Mitte Zero Sugar," which delivers the sweet and smooth taste of its existing products without using sugar.

An official from the food industry stated, "Recent consumers tend to value nutrition and dietary management while refusing to give up the taste and joy of eating. Accordingly, the industry is expanding low-sugar and zero-sugar products that not only simply lower sugar content but also bring out various flavors and textures."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]