Sweeteners Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Sucrose, High-fructose Corn Syrup, Polyol Sweeteners, High-intensity Sweeteners), By Form (Solid, Liquid, Others), By Application (Bakery & Confectionery, Beverages, Dairy & Frozen Desserts, Pharmaceuticals, Others) and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Sweeteners Market size was valued at US$ 106.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 145.9 billion by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of 4.1% from 2025-2031. Moreover, the U.S. Sweeteners Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% over the forecast period. The market refers to the global industry involved in the production, distribution, and consumption of substances that provide sweetness to food and beverages. These can be classified broadly into natural sweeteners such as stevia, honey, and monk fruit extract, and artificial or synthetic sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin.

Additionally, sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol are also widely used in sugar-free or low-calorie formulations. Sweeteners serve as sugar substitutes in various applications, including soft drinks, baked goods, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, and dietary supplements. The rising demand is fueled by consumer preferences for healthier lifestyles and the need to manage conditions like obesity and diabetes. The market is witnessing steady growth due to increased awareness of sugar-related health risks, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Consumers, particularly in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia-Pacific, are increasingly shifting toward low-calorie and zero-calorie alternatives.

This trend has prompted food and beverage manufacturers to reformulate products using both natural and artificial sweeteners to meet the evolving dietary preferences. Regulatory support, advancements in food processing technologies, and innovations in flavor masking of non-nutritive sweeteners are further propelling market expansion. With growing demand across health-conscious demographics and rising penetration in emerging economies, the market is expected to expand significantly in the coming years.

Facts & Figures

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global average daily sugar intake exceeds the recommended limit of 10% of total energy intake for most populations, which has led to increased emphasis on sugar reduction and alternatives like sweeteners.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several high-intensity sweeteners including stevia, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, acknowledging their safety for consumption within specified daily limits.
• Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that over 40% of American adults are obese (2023), reinforcing consumer demand for reduced-sugar and low-calorie products utilizing sweeteners.
• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) monitors and regulates sweetener use across the EU, with steviol glycosides (from stevia) being authorized as food additives since 2011, encouraging wider adoption in food and beverages.

Key Developments:

• In October 2024, Coca-Cola announced plans to introduce a new version of its classic soda sweetened with real cane sugar in the U.S. This move follows advocacy from President Donald Trump, who had previously expressed support for using domestically sourced cane sugar over high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The decision aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards more natural ingredients and is expected to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to HFCS. The launch is anticipated to occur in the fall of 2024, offering consumers a choice between the traditional HFCS-sweetened soda and the new cane sugar-sweetened version.
• In April 2024: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (US$A) released its Sugar and Sweeteners Outlook report, providing updated projections for the U.S. and Mexico sugar and sweetener supply and use for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 periods.

Sweeteners Market Segmentation:

Based on the type:

• Sucrose
• High-fructose Corn Syrup
• Polyol Sweeteners/Sugar Alcohols
• High-intensity Sweeteners
• Aspartame
• Sucralose
• Saccharin
• Cyclamates
• Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
• Stevia
• Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo)
• Brazzein
• Others

Among the various types of sweeteners, high-intensity sweeteners (HIS)—particularly Stevia—are anticipated to lead the global sweeteners market, driven by escalating demand for natural, low-calorie sugar alternatives. Stevia, derived from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, offers sweetness up to 300 times greater than sucrose without the associated calories, making it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers. The surge in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders—especially in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia—has prompted regulatory bodies like the WHO and FDA to recommend reducing sugar intake, thereby accelerating the use of Stevia in foods and beverages. Additionally, leading beverage companies such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have reformulated products with Stevia-based variants to cater to shifting consumer preferences. As plant-based and clean-label trends gain momentum globally, the natural origin of Stevia further boosts its acceptance. Its GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status across major economies also supports widespread adoption, positioning it as a leading driver in the sweeteners segment.

Based on the form, the market is segmented into the following

• Solid
• Liquid
• Others

Within the sweeteners market, the liquid form segment is anticipated to be the leading driver of growth due to its versatility and ease of use across various food and beverage applications. Liquid sweeteners offer significant advantages in formulation, allowing manufacturers to achieve consistent sweetness levels with better solubility and faster dissolution compared to solid forms. This makes them particularly popular in beverages, dairy products, and processed foods where uniform blending is critical. Additionally, liquid sweeteners facilitate precise dosing and are easily integrated into automated production lines, enhancing manufacturing efficiency. The rise of low-calorie and sugar-free beverages has further amplified the demand for liquid natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extracts, which are often supplied in liquid concentrate forms. Consumer preference for clean-label products also supports the adoption of liquid natural sweeteners, as they tend to retain the natural taste profile better. Collectively, these factors position the liquid form as the dominant and fastest-growing segment within the sweeteners market.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into the following

• Bakery & Confectionery
• Beverages
• Dairy & Frozen Desserts
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Among the various application segments in the sweeteners market, the beverages sector is anticipated to be the leading driver of growth. The rising consumer demand for low-calorie, sugar-free, and naturally sweetened drinks is fueling this trend globally. As awareness around the adverse health effects of excessive sugar consumption increases, beverage manufacturers are reformulating products such as sodas, energy drinks, flavored waters, and ready-to-drink teas with alternative sweeteners like stevia, sucralose, and erythritol. The convenience and portability of beverages make them a significant vehicle for sweetener consumption. Additionally, innovations in flavor masking and improved taste profiles of sweeteners have encouraged wider adoption in this segment. Regulatory pressures, such as sugar taxes and mandatory labeling in regions like North America and Europe, are further accelerating the shift toward alternative sweeteners in beverages. These factors collectively position the beverage industry as the foremost application driving the sweeteners market’s expansion.