# Aesthetic Alternative Sugar-free products use visual appeal to overcome pessimism. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Mar 24, 2015 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aesthetic-alternative ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.0/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Aesthetic Alternative trend? **Aesthetic Alternative:** Though it's now common knowledge that refined sugar is harmful to the body, many are skeptical of making the switch, prompting companies to appeal to other senses than taste. Focusing on the visual aspect of alternatively sweetened products redirects attention, positioning sugar-free products as more special than their predecessors. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 26, 2013 to Nov 24, 2015 - Published: Mar 24, 2015 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Aesthetic Alternative trend ### Visual Appeal Companies focus on the visual aspect of alternatively sweetened products to position sugar-free products as more special than their predecessors. ### Natural Sweeteners Businesses are exploring the use of natural sweeteners and ingredients to make healthier versions of traditional candies and sweets. ### Sugar Alternatives Sugar alternatives made from organic and exotic ingredients are gaining popularity for their diverse taste and healthful properties. ## What the Aesthetic Alternative trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Food and beverage companies are exploring alternative ingredients and methods of production to create healthier, sustainable and more ethical products. ### For Health and Wellness Health and wellness industries cater to the growing demand for organic and natural products that promote a better quality of life. ### For Packaging Design As consumers focus on holistic health, packaging design plays an increasingly important role; businesses should look to design packaging that highlights the product's natural and wholesome ingredients. ## Trend signals for Aesthetic Alternative Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 54%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Aesthetic Alternative trend 5 featured examples from Aug 26, 2013 to Nov 24, 2015. - [DIY Healthy Gummy Bears](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gummy-candies): Blogger Undressed Skeleton Shows How to Make Healthy Gummy Candies (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry has the opportunity to innovate by offering more healthy and customizable snack options that use natural ingredients. - [Ethical Handcrafted Chocolate](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clonakilty): Clonakilty is a Delicious and Community-Oriented Company (Category: Social Good) Implication: The food and beverage industry can explore ethical chocolate production and community-oriented practices in order to appeal to conscious consumers. - [Honeyed Fermented Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fermented-soda): This Refreshing Fermented Soda Features Honey and Rhubarb (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for the beverage industry to innovate by introducing more fermented soda options with unconventional flavors and health-conscious ingredients. - [Artful Sugarless Sweets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-free-sweets): Jose Jimenez Lara's Sugar-Free Sweets Are a Treat for the Eyes (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity for confectionery companies to create and market premium sugar-free sweets targeted at health-conscious adults. - [Natural Coconut Sweeteners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-revenge): Sweet Revenge is a Sugar Alternative Made from Coconut Flower Nectar (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food industry can create healthier and sustainable sugar alternatives that can cater to the growing needs of health-conscious consumers. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)