Danone’s Ongoing Efforts to Lower Added Sugar Content
Danone, a global food and beverage company, has already reduced added sugar in its products by 22% worldwide since 2017. The company aims to continue this trend, further decreasing sugar content by 2030 without compromising taste or nutritional profile, according to representatives from Danone Mexico.
New Targets and Continued Sugar Reduction
Alejandra Romero, the Nutritionist and Scientific Affairs Manager at Danone Mexico, confirmed that new targets will be set, and sugar reduction will likely continue. Although the exact amount is yet to be determined, she emphasized that this commitment will persist.
Global Team’s Efforts in Product Formulation
Romero explained that Danone’s global team is actively working on reformulating products to further decrease the percentage of added sugars.
Mexican Progress and Challenges
In Mexico, Danone has reduced added sugar in Danonino by 48.3%, leaving only 1.2g of added sugar per serving. Mary Luz Valderrama, Danone Mexico’s Vice President of Research and Innovation, highlighted the challenge of reducing sugar while ensuring product taste and nutritional value.
Sugar as a Public Health Enemy
Valderrama stressed that although sugar is often discussed as a public health enemy, few take action against it. Danone has set a limit of 10g of sugar per serving in all its products targeted at children, staying below the WHO recommendation of 25g daily.
Sugar’s Necessity and Proper Consumption
Valderrama acknowledged that sugar is necessary for biological responses, but it should be consumed appropriately and at specific times during the day.
Alignment with Federal Government’s Campaign
Danone’s sugar reduction goal aligns with the federal government’s campaign to decrease sugar consumption among the population, as excessive sugar intake leads to obesity, overweight, and diabetes.
- Question: What is the federal government’s campaign focused on?
- Answer: The federal government’s campaign aims to reduce sugar consumption among the population, as excessive sugar intake leads to obesity, overweight, and diabetes.
Collaboration with Vida Saludable Program
Danone’s “Prefiero Agua Simple” program encourages water consumption among children in grades one through three and collaborates with the federal government’s “Vida Saludable” program to help reduce obesity rates.
Promoting Healthy Hydration
The goal is to teach children to drink more water, which in turn can help lower obesity rates. Valderrama noted that simply making water available increases children’s water consumption.
- Question: What is Danone’s strategy to promote healthy hydration among children?
- Answer: Danone aims to teach children to drink more water through its “Prefiero Agua Simple” program, which also collaborates with the federal government’s “Vida Saludable” program to reduce obesity rates.
Danone’s Focus on Healthy Aging
Given the global demographic changes, Danone is focusing on healthy aging strategies. In Mexico, 12-13% of the population is currently over 60 years old, but this is expected to rise to over 30% by 2070 as the mortality rate surpasses birth rates.
Nutrition Personalization
As the population ages, Danone aims to promote personalized nutrition through its products. Although not yet fully implemented, the company is preparing to understand and adapt to personalized nutrition trends.
