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Low Sugar Beverage Formulation Guide

Formulating Low- and No-Sugar Beverages That Consumers Actually Enjoy

As consumers become more label-conscious, low- and no-sugar beverages are one of the fastest-growing segments in food and beverage innovation. Shoppers want less sugar, but they’re no longer willing to accept bitter aftertastes, thin texture, or overly artificial solutions in return.

For brands, that creates a complex formulation challenge.

Why Low- and No-Sugar Is So Hard to Get Right

Reducing sugar impacts far more than sweetness. Sugar plays a key role in:

  • Mouthfeel and body
  • Flavor balance
  • Aroma perception
  • Overall consumer satisfaction

Removing it can leave beverages tasting flat, thin, or unbalanced — especially in functional drinks like protein, energy, or wellness beverages.

How Siena Helps Brands Reformulate with Confidence

Siena works with brands to create low- and no-sugar beverages that still taste complete. By taking a systems-level approach to formulation, Siena helps:

  • Optimize sweetener blends for cleaner sweetness and reduced aftertaste
  • Restore mouthfeel and body lost during sugar reduction
  • Balance flavors in complex functional beverages
  • Ensure stability and consistency through processing and shelf life

Rather than relying on a single ingredient swap, Siena designs solutions that work across the entire formula.

Meeting Consumer Expectations

Today’s consumers expect beverages that are lower in sugar and enjoyable to drink. Siena helps brands deliver products that align with modern health goals without sacrificing flavor, texture, or scalability.

The Bottom Line

Low- and no-sugar beverages are here to stay. With the right formulation partner, brands can meet consumer demand while still delivering products people want to buy again.

https://dailyvoice.com/nj/jersey-city/ben-stiller-pops-up-at-jersey-city-whole-foods-to-launch-new-low-sugar-soda/

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/coca-cola-bets-incoming-chief-brauns-global-experience-amid-shift-low-sugar-2025-12-11/

https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/29169-gatorade-unveils-lower-sugar-beverage-line

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