# Fiber-Based Sugar Alternatives MartinBauer and Nexture Reduce Beverage Sugar with Sweetec By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-11-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fiber-based-sugar-alternatives References: [foodbev](https://www.foodbev.com/post301/martinbauer-and-nexture-introduce-fibre-based-sweetec-solution-for-sugar-reduced-alcohol-beverages) & [nexture](https://www.nexture.com/global/en/news/martinbauer-and-nexture-introduce-sweetec-a-new-fiber-based-botanical-solution-for-reduced-sugar-beverages-and-spirits-4685)  [Fiber-based sugar alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fibre-up-soft-drinks) are creating new possibilities for beverage manufacturers as [MartinBauer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martinbauer) and Nexture introduce Sweetec, a botanical formulation designed to reduce sugar without sacrificing sweetness or texture. The system combines plant-derived ingredients to recreate the thickness and satisfying mouthfeel typically provided by sugar, allowing brands to develop lighter beverage options. Sweetec integrates [HIFOOD's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hifood-micro-protein) Meltec vegetable fibers, sourced from legumes and cereals, with MartinBauer's Sweetcode botanical sweetening technology. Together, these components can replace up to 50% of sugar while maintaining flavor balance. The formulation supports applications ranging from spirits and aperitifs to cider, seltzers, and alcohol-free beverages. For manufacturers, Sweetec offers opportunities to reformulate existing drinks and develop reduced-sugar products that meet changing consumer preferences. Its versatility could also help beverage companies respond to sugar taxation and nutritional labeling requirements while maintaining familiar drinking experiences. Image Credit: MARTINBAUER AND NEXTURE ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.6/10 - Popularity: 100% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Fiber-based Sweetening:** Botanical fibers that preserve sweetness and mouthfeel are opening space for reduced-sugar beverages that feel closer to full-sugar formulations. - **Texture-preserving Reformulation:** Ingredient systems that replace sugar’s body as well as its taste create potential for healthier products without the sensory trade-offs consumers often reject. - **Sugar-tax Adaptation:** Regulatory pressure around sugar content is accelerating demand for flexible formulation platforms that help brands maintain appeal while improving nutrition profiles. ### Where This Applies - **Beverage Manufacturing:** Reduced-sugar systems with broad application across alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks give producers new ways to refresh legacy portfolios. - **Functional Ingredients:** Plant-derived sweetening and fiber technologies are expanding the role of ingredient suppliers in shaping indulgent yet better-for-you product experiences. - **Health-focused Consumer Goods:** Growing preference for lighter labels and lower sugar intake supports product development models centered on familiar taste with improved nutritional positioning. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tri-Blend Sweeteners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truvia-allulose-plus.md) - [Advanced Soluble Fiber Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soluble-fiber.md) - [Reduced-Sugar Fruit Juices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/austria-juice.md) - [Alt Sweetener Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mycotechnology-and-adorvia-biotechnology.md) - [Sugar Cane Alcohol Bases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-brew.md) - [Citrus-Based Alt Sweeteners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citrose-sweetener-complex.md) - [Fruity High-Fiber Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nabe-soda.md) - [Prebiotic Soda Flavor Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prebiotic-soda-flavor-systems.md)