Zero Processed Sugar
We want our consumers to enjoy the goodness of the earth without processed sugar.
The Why
Excessive consumption of processed sugar is linked to numerous health issues, including increased rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and tooth decay.
These conditions threaten all countries and people, and often go hand- in-hand with a lack of access to fresh food and food insecurity. One simple way to eat healthier is to limit the amount of processed sugars in people’s diets. This is why we are working toward zero processed sugars in all our products by 2025.
Innovation
Removing processed sugar, not taste
Through product development and new launches, we are finding creative ways to replace processed sugars with natural alternatives without sacrificing taste. In 2021, we began tackling the most challenging product lines on our journey to zero processed sugars: canned fruit in syrup range and fruits in gel and parfait items.
These product lines are popular both in homes and restaurants, so we can’t risk compromising each product’s high-quality flavor and taste. We are currently evaluating the full range of alternative ingredients that can offer the same, or better, taste without the processed sugar.
Education
Promoting healthy eating by reducing sugar intake
By promoting the benefits of good nutrition, as well as improving access to it, we are helping people build a lifestyle around healthy eating.
In 2021, we improved our on-pack communications to include information that arms our consumers with the knowledge they need to make healthy food choices. We also bring these facts and benefits to life in our Dole Nutrition Employee Handbook, which is our go-to-guide for innovation and food reformulation processes within Dole.