China Sweeteners Market Overview, 2030

The demand for food sweeteners is increasing in China due to the increasing consumption of sugar-based products like food and beverages. With an increasing number of individuals seeking healthier alternatives to sugar, natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are becoming popular choices. These plant-based sweeteners are especially sought after due to their zero-calorie content and natural origin, aligning with the growing trend of reducing calorie intake while maintaining sweetness. This is further emphasized by the rise in metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, prompting a shift toward sugar-free or low-sugar options. Stevia and monk fruit, known for their natural sourcing, are now frequently used in beverages, baked goods, and other processed food items. Artificial and natural sweetener blends are becoming more popular as manufacturers seek to deliver sugar-like taste while lowering caloric content. These blends combine the taste profiles of traditional sugar with the benefits of sugar substitutes, offering a sweeter and more balanced experience. The Chinese FDA (National Medical Products Administration, NMPA) has been actively involved in regulating sweeteners, ensuring their safety and quality standards. China has approved more natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, making them more accessible for use in a variety of food products. The government has also been working to ensure that both artificial and natural sweeteners meet safety guidelines, with a focus on reducing the risks associated with excessive use and ensuring that ingredients are ethically sourced and sustainable. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscientious about the environmental and social impact of the products they purchase. Stevia and monk fruit are highly favored as sustainable alternatives, as these plants are grown in regions that have a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional sugarcane farming. Ethical sourcing practices—such as fair-trade certifications and responsible farming—are becoming key considerations for Chinese consumers when choosing sweeteners, aligning with broader global trends for eco-friendly products.

According to the research report "China Sweeteners Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the China Sweeteners market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.20% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The sweetener industry in China faces several supply chain challenges, particularly in the availability and consistency of raw materials for natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. This is partly due to climate change, which impacts the agriculture sector significantly. Variations in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events have disrupted the supply of key ingredients. Stevia, which is predominantly cultivated in Yunnan province, is sensitive to environmental conditions and requires stable climates to thrive. Monk fruit, grown in certain mountainous regions, faces challenges as local farmers battle climate uncertainty. These disruptions increase the cost of production, making it harder for companies to offer affordable natural sweeteners to the market. transportation issues, including logistics bottlenecks and labor shortages, also contribute to supply chain inefficiencies, particularly for imported ingredients used in the production of artificial sweeteners. With these challenges, companies are increasingly turning to sustainable farming practices and agricultural innovations to ensure consistent and reliable sourcing of raw materials. As global warming intensifies, climate change poses a direct risk to the supply of raw materials for natural sweeteners. Stevia, which thrives in subtropical regions, is increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns, droughts, and irregular rainfall. The monk fruit supply chain is also under threat as high-altitude farming regions become less predictable, resulting in reduced harvests. Cargill has formed collaborations with local farmers to improve the sustainability of stevia farming and ensure a steady supply. Companies are also increasingly acquiring smaller, specialized firms in the field of biotechnology and fermentation, expanding their portfolios to include a broader range of natural and artificial sweeteners. Enzyme technologies are being developed to make natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit more cost-effective by improving their extraction and refining processes. The demand for sweeteners grows, waste management becomes increasingly important. Stevia waste is being processed into animal feed or used in biogas production, making the production process more sustainable. sugar alcohol production produces by-products that can be repurposed into biofuels, contributing to a circular economy.

Natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, and coconut sugar are gaining popularity in China due to increasing health awareness and demand for plant-based options. Stevia, derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, is particularly valued for being zero-calorie and highly sweet without affecting blood sugar levels. Monk fruit, another popular choice, is native to southern China and is revered for its zero-calorie properties. The extraction process of these natural sweeteners typically involves water extraction or solvent extraction from the plant's leaves or fruit, followed by refining to isolate the sweet compounds like stevioside and mogrosides. These sweeteners are often used in beverages, baked goods, and dairy products. One challenge with these sweeteners is their price premium due to limited cultivation regions and labor-intensive extraction processes. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are synthetically produced to mimic the taste of sugar without the calories. These sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar and are often used in smaller amounts. Aspartame is synthesized from amino acids phenylalanine and aspartic acid, while sucralose is produced by chlorinating sucrose. These sweeteners are widely used in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and processed foods. Their main advantages include cost-effectiveness and stability at high temperatures, making them ideal for cooking and baking. They often face consumer backlash due to concerns about long-term health effects. Sucrose, or table sugar, remains a staple in China, although it is being increasingly replaced by low-calorie alternatives. It is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets through a process of extraction, purification, and crystallization. While sucrose is highly versatile and used in a wide array of products, its high-calorie content has led to a decline in its popularity, especially among health-conscious consumers. Sugar alcohols are partially absorbed in the body, which reduces their caloric value and their impact on blood sugar levels. Erythritol, for instance, is often used in combination with other sweeteners to reduce the aftertaste and bitterness common in some natural sweeteners. Addition to the primary sweeteners mentioned above, China also uses a variety of specialty sweeteners like allulose and lucuma powder. Allulose, a relatively new sweetener, is a low-calorie sugar that naturally occurs in small quantities in fruits such as figs and raisins. It is becoming popular for its sugar-like taste without the calories, and is produced through a conversion process from fructose. Lucuma powder, made from the lucuma fruit, offers a natural, caramel-like flavor and is used as a natural sweetener in health-conscious food products, especially in Smoothies and energy bars.

Powdered sweeteners are widely popular in China, especially for home use and baking. These are produced by either spray drying or freeze-drying the liquid sweetener into a fine powder, which makes them easy to handle, store, and use. They are commonly used in beverages, snack foods, and confectionery. Powdered forms of stevia, erythritol, and sucralose are particularly popular in China’s market due to their versatility and ease of incorporation into recipes without changing the texture of food. The key advantage of powdered sweeteners is their long shelf life and high concentration; they are more stable than liquids and are perfect for bulk production. One downside is that powdered forms can sometimes leave a gritty texture when not properly dissolved, which limits their use in some liquid-based products. Liquid sweeteners are gaining momentum in China, particularly in beverages such as diet sodas, fruit juices, and ready-to-drink teas. These sweeteners are produced through water extraction or chemical synthesis, and are typically available in syrup or concentrate form. Liquid stevia, monk fruit, and high-fructose corn syrup are common examples. Liquid forms are convenient for applications where instant dissolution is required, such as in hot drinks or ready-to-consume products. They also have a low-calorie profile, with a minimal glycemic impact, making them popular among health-conscious consumers. Their easy blending properties and customizable sweetness levels are key factors driving their demand. Liquid sweeteners tend to have a shorter shelf life compared to powdered forms, which can be an issue in some regions. Crystalline sweeteners, like sucrose and xylitol, are a solid form of sweeteners that are produced by crystallizing the sugar or sugar alcohol. The production of crystalline sweeteners involves cooling and evaporating the sugar syrup until crystals form. This form of sweetener is particularly used in baking and cooking where a granular texture is desired, such as in cookies, cakes, and candy. Xylitol and erythritol, which are sugar alcohols, are also popular in crystalline form for their low-calorie content and tooth-friendly properties. Crystalline sweeteners are ideal for creating products that need to maintain a firm texture while offering the sweetness of sugar but with lower calories. One limitation is that the production process can be more complex than that of powders or liquids, especially for non-sugar crystalline sweeteners like erythritol, which requires more specialized techniques like hydrogenation.

The food and beverage industry in China is the largest segment for sweeteners, where they are used extensively in soft drinks, energy drinks, snacks, confectionery, and dairy products. With rising health awareness and concerns over diabetes and obesity, there is a marked shift towards low-calorie and sugar-free options. Stevia, sucralose, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are common in soft drinks and fruit juices due to their ability to provide sweetness without added calories. Sweeteners like erythritol and xylitol are also gaining popularity in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods, as they not only contribute sweetness but also provide dental health benefits. The increasing demand for plant-based and natural sweeteners in beverages is also driving innovation, with monk fruit and coconut sugar gaining ground. Stevia is often used as a liquid or powder in beverages because it dissolves quickly and doesn’t alter the flavor profile significantly. In the pharmaceutical sector, sweeteners are primarily used as flavor enhancers or masking agents for bitter-tasting medicines, especially in liquid form such as syrups, tablets, or chewable vitamins. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and mannitol are frequently used in sugar-free or low-calorie pharmaceuticals, as they provide a mild sweetness without contributing to cavities or raising blood sugar levels. Stevia and aspartame are also commonly used in over-the-counter drugs and oral care products, such as mouthwash and toothpaste, for sweetness with no caloric impact. Sweeteners, especially sugar alcohols like xylitol, are increasingly being used in personal care products, particularly in the oral care industry. Xylitol is a popular ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum because it not only provides sweetness but also helps in preventing cavities by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is also found in certain skin care products, as it has moisturizing properties and is gentle on sensitive skin. Stevia extracts are used in skin care products due to their antioxidant properties, contributing to anti-aging and soothing effects. In other specialized applications, sweeteners play a role in animal feed, cosmetics, and even biofuels. Maltodextrin and glucose syrups are commonly used in animal feed to improve palatability and nutrient absorption. In cosmetics, sugar-based products like sucrose are sometimes used for exfoliation or as humectants that help retain moisture.



Supermarkets and hypermarkets are key players in the distribution of sweeteners in China, with major retail chains such as Walmart, Carrefour, and Alibaba’s Hema dominating the landscape. These large stores offer a wide range of sweetener products, including natural options like stevia and monk fruit, as well as artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame. Consumers tend to visit these stores for bulk purchases, especially for products like sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and sugar alcohols for use in household or commercial food production. The advantage of supermarkets and hypermarkets is the ability to provide discounted pricing, promotions, and in-store sampling programs, which encourage trial and purchase. Department stores in China are gradually becoming a less dominant channel for sweeteners compared to supermarkets and hypermarkets. some premium brands or high-quality sweeteners, particularly those in natural and organic forms, can still be found in high-end stores such as Dalian Department Store or Beijing Wangfujing. These sweeteners often cater to health-conscious consumers looking for natural products such as stevia or monk fruit for low-calorie or sugar-free solutions. Premium packaging and exclusive product lines are key attractions for this segment, appealing to more affluent shoppers. In China, convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart are growing in popularity, especially in urban areas. Convenience stores are ideal for targeting younger, urban consumers who prioritize convenience and speed, and affordable pricing is a major factor for these customers. Online retail in China is booming, especially with platforms like Alibaba’s Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo leading the charge. E-commerce has been a major driver for the sweetener market in China, as consumers enjoy the convenience of shopping from home. Many consumers prefer buying bulk packages of sweeteners like erythritol and stevia online due to the wider selection available and the ability to compare prices. As e-commerce platforms allow for easier access to niche or imported sweeteners, such as monk fruit or xylitol, it has also led to the expansion of the premium sweetener market. Other distribution channels in China include specialty stores, health food stores, and direct sales via brands’ own platforms. Specialty stores focused on organic, gluten-free, and sugar-free products provide a unique space for natural sweeteners like stevia and coconut sugar.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Sweeteners Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Natural Sweeteners
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Sucrose
• High-fructose Corn Syrup
• Sugar Alcohol
• Others

By Form
• Powder
• Liquid
• Crystals

By Application
• Food & Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Other Applications

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarket and Hypermarkets
• Departmental Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Store
• Others

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.