CHICAGO — Kraft Heinz Co. has reduced the sugar in its Capri Sun juice drink by an average of 40% by using monk fruit concentrate, a natural sweetener. The reformulated Capri Sun, which will be on retail shelves in August, contains on average 8 grams of sugar, including 5 grams of added sugar. Capri Sun previously had 11 grams of added sugar.
“Sugar, especially in the beverage category, is a major pain point for parents,” said Erica Watkins, associate brand director for Capri Sun. “As a category leader and kids’ No. 1 favorite juice drink, it was critical that the renovation meet our brand’s size and scale without compromising either our iconic taste or our commitment to using all natural ingredients.”
Monk fruit, also known as lo han guo, is about 200 times sweeter than sugar, according to the Calorie Control Council, an international association representing manufacturers and suppliers of low- and reduced-calorie foods and beverages. Monk fruit is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) in the United States.
