South Korea Sweeteners Market Overview, 2030

South Korea's sweetener market is experiencing significant shifts, influenced by health trends, innovative formulations, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Products incorporating these blends aim to provide sweetness without compromising on taste, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Health concerns such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay have led to a surge in demand for low-sugar and sugar-free products. The "healthy pleasure" trend has prompted the introduction of various zero-sugar items, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and desserts. Sweeteners like allulose have been noted to have a lower glycemic index, offering potential benefits for blood sugar management. Health experts recommend further research to fully understand their impact on metabolic health. In August 2024, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced new regulations requiring food and beverage companies to disclose portion size changes and the use of sweeteners on product labels. Starting January 1, 2026, products making claims like "zero-sugar" or "sugar-free" must specify any sweeteners used and their caloric content. The MFDS oversees the safety assessment of both artificial and natural sweeteners, ensuring they meet established health standards. Climate change poses challenges to the sweetener industry, particularly concerning the availability of raw materials for natural sweeteners. Shifts in climate patterns can affect crop yields, necessitating adaptive agricultural practices to ensure a stable supply. South Korea has become a top testing ground for the sweetener allulose, a potential rival to sugar substitutes like stevia that is finding favour among both local food influencers and big domestic food companies, which are ramping up production. Found naturally in figs, kiwis and other fruits, allulose has been approved by both U.S. and South Korean regulators The World Health Organization last year issued a guideline advising against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control purposes, citing potential undesirable long-term effects. Two groups linked to the WHO last year declared the popular sweetener aspartame a "possible carcinogen", but said it remained safe to consume at already-agreed levels. University Hospitals dietician Traxler said that, when allulose is consumed in large quantities, possible side effects include gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhoea and bloating. Samyang's Head of Specialty Food Ingredients Park Sung-won said the biggest challenge has been making the sweetener affordable and raising consumer awareness, but added: "We believe allulose is a material with potential for the future."

According to the research report "South Korea Sweeteners Market Overview, 2030," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Sweeteners market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.62% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. In September 2024, Samyang Corp. inaugurated South Korea's largest allulose production facility in Ulsan. Daesang has introduced allulose under its brand 'Sweevero' and completed a dedicated production facility at its Gunsan factory in May 2022. This positions Daesang as a significant player in the alternative sweetener sector. Biotechnology and fermentation are pivotal in producing alternative sweeteners like allulose. The processes enable the conversion of simple sugars into low-calorie sweeteners, offering taste profiles similar to sucrose. Samyang's development of allulose syrup in 2016 and subsequent mass production in 2020 highlight the industry's reliance on biotechnological advancements to enhance cost-effectiveness; companies are investing in technologies that improve production efficiency and yield. Samyang's new allulose factory, for example, not only increases production capacity but also incorporates facilities for producing granulated allulose suitable for export, aiming to optimize production costs. Despite approvals in South Korea and the U.S., some countries have yet to regulate allulose, limiting global market expansion. Effective waste management and utilization of by-products are gaining attention in sweetener production. While specific practices in South Korea's sweetener industry are not detailed in the available sources, the global trend includes converting by-products into valuable materials, such as prebiotics. Samyang's new prebiotics factory, capable of producing nondigestible maltodextrin and fructooligosaccharide powder, exemplifies this approach. Specific pricing trends and comparisons between natural, artificial, and sugar alcohol sweeteners in South Korea are not detailed in the provided sources. It’s generally observed that natural sweeteners like stevia and allulose tend to be priced higher than artificial sweeteners due to production costs and consumer perceptions of health benefits.

Natural Sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit are increasingly popular due to growing health consciousness. The sweeteners are perceived as healthier alternatives to traditional sugar, offering no calories or lower glycemic indices. South Korean consumers, especially those concerned with diabetes, obesity, and tooth decay, are gravitating toward natural sweeteners for use in beverages, desserts, and health supplements. Stevia, in particular, has become widely used in functional foods and drinks. Artificial Sweeteners, including aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, have been common in South Korea for decades, largely used in diet sodas and sugar-free gum. Despite concerns over long-term health effects, artificial sweeteners remain popular due to their low cost and widespread availability. Many consumers continue to use them in daily products, especially those seeking to reduce calorie intake while maintaining sweetness. Sucrose, or table sugar, is still the most commonly used sweetener in South Korea, especially in traditional and packaged foods. While its use is declining due to health concerns, sucrose remains prevalent in baked goods, beverages, and confectionery. High-fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is commonly found in processed foods, soft drinks, and sauces. While its use has come under scrutiny for its link to obesity, HFCS is still widely used due to its affordability and ability to enhance sweetness in mass-produced products. Sugar Alcohols, such as xylitol and erythritol, are gaining traction in sugar-free products, particularly in chewing gum, candies, and diabetic-friendly foods. They offer a balance between sweetness and reduced calorie content. Others include newer innovations like allulose, which is gaining popularity due to its taste profile similar to sucrose but with fewer calories. South Korean consumers are gradually adopting allulose in their daily diets.

Powdered sweeteners are highly favored in South Korea, especially for home use and food manufacturing. Products like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are commonly available in powder form, offering flexibility for use in beverages, baking, and cooking. South Korean consumers often use powdered sweeteners for homemade drinks like tea and coffee, as well as in health-conscious baking recipes, due to their easy integration and controlled portions. Powdered sweeteners are also widely used in the production of functional food products and dietary supplements. Liquid sweeteners are another popular form in South Korea, particularly for beverages and ready-to-consume food products. Liquid forms of stevia, sucralose, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are prevalent in soft drinks, flavored teas, and sauces. Consumers prefer liquid sweeteners for their ease of use in drinks, where they dissolve quickly without leaving a gritty texture. This form is particularly popular in ready-to-drink beverages, where liquid sweeteners are directly incorporated for consistency and convenience. Liquid sweeteners are often preferred in products like flavored yogurt or instant meals, providing a smoother, more consistent taste. Crystalline sweeteners, such as traditional sucrose, allulose, and xylitol, are widely used in South Korea for both domestic and industrial purposes. Crystals are often found in packaged foods, confectioneries, and baked goods, where they are favored for their ability to provide structure and texture. While crystalline forms of natural sweeteners like allulose are becoming more popular, traditional sugar crystals remain the most common form used in home kitchens, especially for cooking, baking, and adding to beverages.

Food & Beverages dominate the South Korean sweetener market, accounting for the majority of consumption. Consumers frequently use sweeteners in packaged foods, beverages, and snacks, with a particular emphasis on low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives. With health concerns such as diabetes and obesity on the rise, South Korean consumers are increasingly opting for sweeteners in diet sodas, energy drinks, flavored teas, and Smoothies. In addition to low-calorie drinks, sweeteners are also used in baked goods, desserts, and confectionery products, where alternatives like stevia, monk fruit, and allulose are preferred for their natural origins and lower calorie content. Pharmaceuticals also represent a growing segment of the sweetener market in South Korea. Sweeteners such as sucralose and xylitol are commonly used in sugar-free medicines, cough syrups, and dietary supplements. These sweeteners help improve the taste of medicinal products, making them more palatable for consumers, particularly for children and those with diabetes. Sweeteners like stevia and erythritol are used in health supplements that promote weight management, blood sugar control, and overall wellness. Personal Care products, including toothpaste, mouthwash, and skin care items, also incorporate sweeteners, primarily for flavor enhancement or to provide a pleasant sensory experience. Xylitol, in particular, is a popular choice in oral care products due to its tooth-friendly properties, helping to reduce the risk of cavities. Finally, Other Applications include the use of sweeteners in the production of pet food, where sugar alternatives are used for flavoring without contributing to obesity. Although not as significant as the other sectors, this niche is growing, particularly with the rise in premium pet care products in South Korea.



Supermarkets and Hypermarkets are the most significant distribution channels for sweeteners in South Korea. These retail outlets offer a wide variety of sweeteners, including both natural and artificial options, allowing consumers to choose according to their dietary preferences. Supermarkets are especially popular for purchasing products in bulk, with consumers often opting for common sweeteners like sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and allulose for home use in cooking, baking, and beverages. South Koreans favor these stores due to the wide range of options available at competitive prices. Department Stores play a smaller yet important role in the sweetener market, particularly in the premium segment. Department stores in South Korea often feature high-end or specialty brands, which include organic and health-focused sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit. Consumers seeking natural or imported sweeteners often visit department stores, where they can find exclusive products that may not be available in supermarkets or hypermarkets. The convenience and reputation of department stores also attract affluent consumers looking for premium or niche products. Convenience Stores are increasingly becoming a go-to destination for on-the-go consumers seeking quick, small-sized sweetener purchases. Products like sugar-free gum, diet sodas, and small packets of low-calorie sweeteners are commonly found here. The rapid growth of convenience stores in South Korea has made them an essential channel, especially for younger consumers and busy professionals who need quick access to sweeteners for beverages and snacks. Online Stores have witnessed significant growth, driven by the rise in e-commerce. Consumers increasingly buy sweeteners online for the convenience of home delivery and access to a broader range of products, including specialty and international brands. This channel is particularly favored by those seeking specific health-oriented sweeteners or niche products that are not readily available in physical stores. Others, including health food stores, pharmacies, and direct-to-consumer brands, provide an additional avenue for sweetener purchases, though they cater to a more specialized market focused on health-conscious consumers.

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.