The majority of countries with high absolute consumption of sugar falls in the emerging economies category, and consequently these nations have high burden of lifestyle diseases as pointed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consumption of high-intensity sweeteners in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Africa is expected to grow at lower rates, as the diet beverages market, the largest application sector, has matured. However, the demand in developing economies is expected to increase during the forecast period. Overall, the huge demand for food has led the entire value chain in developing countries to open markets for food sweeteners and new introductions from foreign players, driving the demand for food sweeteners.

There is an exponential year-on-year increase in the number of processed low-calorie and diet foods  that contain artificial sweeteners. By using different blends of low calorie sweeteners, subtle taste options can be achieved. Manufacturers choose which low calorie sweetener to use, either on its own or as a blend, based on taste considerations, stability and cost. Many sweetener categories like polyols or natural caloric sweeteners are approved for use due to its long history of use and thus many such sweetener systems are allotted Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) status.