Slashing the sugar content is what beverage giant F&N and other players are continuing to do with their existing beverages in Singapore. The cutting down on sugar was set in motion by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong‘s call to reduce sugar content in drinks during the National Day Rally speech in August 2017.
In early 2018, F&N introduced its two latest sugar-free Orange Zero Sugar and Sarsi Zero Sugar in time for Chinese New Year. The zero sugar range is sweetened with acesulfame-K and sucralose.
Also available is the new F&N Healthier Choice Variety Pack containing 24 cans of Orange Zero, Sarsi Zero, F&N Seasons Ice Lemon Tea (Reduced Sugar) and F&N Seasons White Chrysanthemum Tea (Reduced Sugar).
All the no/low-sugar drinks above with the exception of F&N Seasons White Chrysanthemum Tea (Reduced Sugar) are only available in Singapore.
F&N also has the zero sugar version of F&N Seasons White Chrysanthemum Tea (250ml).
In a bid to reduce sugar, companies are substituting sugar with sugar alternatives. In the case of F&N Orange Zero Sugar and Sarsi Zero Sugar, the drinks contain artificial sweeteners acesulfame-K and sucralose. The Straits Times reported restaurant chain Tung Lok has incorporated allulose in yusheng and niangao (rice cake), both are Chinese New Year classics. Nestle Singapore has also started using sugar alternatives but did not provide further details.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast, on the other hand, is not embracing sugar alternatives claiming “the consistency and taste would be affected,” reported Straits Times. Instead, the Singapore chain, best known for its kaya toast and coffee, is encouraging consumers to opt for low-sugar beverages.
Any drastic reduction in sugar within a short period of time may not work as it should be done gradually for consumers to get accustomed to the low-sugar taste. So far, beverage companies in Singapore have done an excellent job in lowering their sugar count.
