# Tagatose-Based Sweeteners Icon Foods TagaLite Functions and Tastes Like Sugar By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-06-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icon-foods-tagalite References: [snackandbakery](https://www.snackandbakery.com/articles/115854-icon-foods-launches-sweetener-with-no-added-sugar) & [iconfoods](https://www.iconfoods.com/)  The [Icon Foods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iconisweet-gold-sweetener) TagaLite has been debuted by the ingredient supplier that takes aim at the clean label food and beverage categories to help brands formulate options that are more in line with consumer preferences. The ingredient is a [tagatose-based sweetener](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citrose-sweetener-complex) that's rated to function and taste just like sugar without the associated sugar. The sweetener is well-suited for a wide range of applications including across baked goods, beverages, frozen foods, better-for-you snacks, confectionery and more. The sweetener is arriving on the heels of an update on tagatose from the [FDA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugarreducing-technology) that no linger requires it to be declared as an added sugar. Chief Innovations Officer Thom King commented on the Icon Foods TagaLite saying, "TagaLite provides manufacturers with a highly functional, low-calorie sweetener option for sugar reduction. Formulators can rebuild sugar’s role in texture, browning, bulk and freeze control, with a clean sweetness that behaves like sugar in real-world applications.” Image Credit: Icon Foods via Unsplash ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.9/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 78% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sugar-free Formulation:** Tagatose-based ingredients create new room for clean label products that preserve sugar-like taste, texture, browning, bulk and freeze control without added sugar declarations. - **Clean Label Sweeteners:** Consumer demand for recognizable, lower-calorie ingredients is reshaping sweetener development around functional alternatives that support indulgent formats with fewer nutritional tradeoffs. - **Functional Sugar Replacement:** FDA classification changes around tagatose signal a broader shift toward ingredient systems that help brands reduce sugar while maintaining sensory performance across multiple applications. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food Ingredients:** Ingredient suppliers are positioned to differentiate through multi-functional sweetening platforms that combine taste, processing performance and regulatory advantages for manufacturers. - **Better-for-you Snacks:** Snack brands gain expanded product development potential from sugar alternatives that support indulgent flavors and textures while aligning with reduced-sugar consumer preferences. - **Frozen Desserts:** Low-calorie sweeteners with freeze-control capabilities introduce formulation possibilities for ice creams, novelties and frozen treats that balance cleaner labels with familiar eating experiences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [GLP-1-Friendly Sugar Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-freedom-glp-1.md) - [Ultra-Potent Sugar Substitutes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soulsweet.md) - [Better-For-You Chocolate Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/releeese-chocolate.md) - [De-Sugared Juice Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gro.md) - [Pocket-Sized Cane Sugar-Free Syrups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugarfree-syrup.md) - [Tailored Food Flavor Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kerry-smart-taste.md) - [Clean Label Whitening Additives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innophos-versacal-bright.md) - [Nutrient-Dense Snack Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tosi-products.md) - [Light Herbal Liqueurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/35-original-light.md)