“甜味魔法师”：甜味剂如何兼顾健康与口感

Core Insights - The rise of sugar-free beverages and zero-calorie foods reflects a growing consumer preference for sweet taste without calorie intake, driven by the use of sweeteners [1][2] - Sweeteners have evolved to meet modern health demands, providing diverse options for consumers while promoting a healthier lifestyle [2][6] Sweetener Evolution - Sweeteners are derived from various sources, including plants (e.g., steviol glycosides, monk fruit extract), fermentation (e.g., erythritol), and artificial synthesis (e.g., sucralose, aspartame) [2] - The characteristics of sweeteners include high sweetness and low calories, allowing consumers to enjoy sweet flavors without the energy burden associated with traditional sugars [2][5] Safety and Regulation - The safety of sweeteners is a major public concern, with global food safety agencies applying stringent approval processes [4] - For example, aspartame was first synthesized in 1967 and has been approved for use in over 100 countries, with specific usage limits set in food standards [5] Diverse Applications - Sweeteners cater to the dietary needs of special populations, such as diabetics and those managing weight, while also appealing to the general consumer market [6][7] - They play a significant role in the food industry by enabling product innovation and supporting the trend of "reducing sugar without sacrificing sweetness" [7] Future Outlook - Ongoing research is expected to yield new sweeteners that closely mimic the taste of natural sugars, expanding the range of "sweet zero-calorie" options available to consumers [3] - The sweetener market is anticipated to see differentiation in high-value functional sweeteners, with new products emerging as the domestic market opens up [2]