The challenge of sugar reduction in savoury foods

As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for food products with less sugar is accelerating. Gen Z and Gen Alpha are driving this shift, influencing household purchases and expecting products that are both healthier and naturally sourced. For manufacturers of sauces, condiments and ready-to-use products, the sugar reduction challenge has never been greater.

Yet, while consumers are turning away from added sugars, they are not willing to give up indulgent sweetness. According to FoodNavigator, the expectation is clear: less sugar, same great taste and preferably achieved with familiar, natural ingredients rather than artificial substitutes.

And the numbers confirm it:

Meeting expectations with natural solutions

Food manufacturers face a complex reformulation puzzle. To succeed, new formulations must:

• Deliver sweetness, body and color naturally
• Ensure clean labels that meet “no added sugar” expectations
• Maintain processing stability and cost efficiency

If one of these aspects fails, consumer acceptance suffers, whether due to off-flavours, altered color, or reduced shelf stability.

At Solina, we combine culinary expertise and ingredient innovation to help manufacturers meet these expectations. Our ready-to-use onion solutions offer a simple, natural and high-performing way to reduce sugar while maintaining the sensory quality that consumers love.

5 reasons why Solina’s onion solutions make the ideal sugar alternative

1. Natural sweetness, body and mouthfeel
Caramelized onions are naturally sweet, offering depth and richness without added sugars. All our onion solutions are produced from fresh, locally sourced onions with no preservatives, flavorings or colorings. The result: clean-label sweetness with authentic taste.

2. Efficient and consistent processing
Our ready-to-use formats eliminate the need for long preparation and cooking times. They provide excellent processing stability, saving time and ensuring consistent results in large-scale production.

3. Versatility in every application
From diced to sliced, sautéed to mashed, our range includes over 160 recipe variations tailored to different textures, flavours and culinary profiles. This versatility allows seamless integration into sauces, dressings, marinades and plant-based products.

4. Taste meets nutrition
Through the natural Maillard reaction, the sugars and amino acids in onions develop rich, savoury-sweet notes that enhance both taste and nutritional perception. The result is a balanced flavour experience that supports reduced-sugar positioning without sensory compromise.

5. Sustainable and convenient
Our vegan onion solutions have a shelf life of more than 12 months at ambient temperature, reducing the need for chilled storage. With multiple packaging options available, food waste is minimized and portioning becomes easier, a win for both sustainability and efficiency.