Sweetener Association: Majority of Germans have a preference for sweet taste
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On 17 June 2022, the "Day of Sweetness" took place for the second time. Last year, the Sweeteners Association was able to make a valuable contribution to the public debate around a balanced diet and the topic of "sweetener reduction" with this special theme day. This year it was all about "sweet indulgence". On the occasion of the special theme day, the sweetener association had commissioned a survey by the market research institute INNOFACT on the sweet indulgence of Germans. "The results are clear: Germans like it sweet. At the same time, however, the survey also proves a moderate and conscious approach to sweet foods," sums up Isabelle Begger, Chairwoman of the Süßstoff-Verband e.V..
97 percent of respondents have a preference for sweet things
To find out the Germans' associations with "sweet" or "sweets", 1000 German-speaking people aged 18 and over were asked for their opinion in an online survey. The result: the vast majority of respondents (97 percent) have a sweet tooth. This preference for sweets is independent of gender and age. "Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the respondents associate a delicious taste and enjoyment with "sweet". Especially the group of 18- to 29-year-olds think of good taste when they think of sweets," explains Anja Roth, nutritionist and technical contact person of the Süßstoff-Verband e.V. (Sweetener Association).
Consumers:inside enjoy sweets in moderation - but without prohibitions
At the same time, the representative survey on "Sweetness Day" shows a responsible approach to sweet foods. After the delicious taste, enjoyment is the second most important association. The respondents associate sweetness with a moment of pleasure that they consciously indulge in. Almost a third think of sweets as a reward that they have earned. There is also agreement with the statement that sweets are not eaten all the time, but every now and then. These associations make it clear that consumers have internalised not only the pleasure but also the conscious choice and moderate use of sweets. 94 percent of those surveyed therefore see no need to deny or forbid themselves sweets. "Against this background, it is doubtful whether a ban on sweets or a regulation of sweets by politicians, as demanded by consumer organisations, would be effective," Anja Roth concludes.
Sweeteners enable a practically calorie-free sweet treat
Sweet is and remains a popular flavour, if not the most popular. However, many respondents associate sweetness with calories. But this does not have to be the case: consumers can choose from a variety of sugars and sweeteners. Among the sweeteners are the eleven sweeteners approved in the EU. Their great advantage is that they have practically no calories and allow a wide range of sweet-tasting foods and beverages. The calorie-free sweet treat helps to avoid high-calorie drinks and snacks. Many studies prove this positive effect on total sugar and calorie intake as well as on blood sugar levels and weight management.
