A look at sugar alternatives: enjoyment or environmental killer?

A look at sugar alternatives: enjoyment or environmental killer?

The debate about sugar and its alternatives is more current than ever. In particular, the new ZDF documentary “Sugar Alternatives – Enjoyment with an Aftertaste,” which was broadcast on Friday, May 23, 2025, is about the health benefits of sugar alternatives, which are mostly unproven. This documentary by filmmaker Judith Paland points out the existing problems with conventional sugar, which, according to various experts, is a contributing cause of tooth decay, obesity and diabetes. ZDF emphasizes that the cultivation and use of sugar alternatives often also have negative aspects.

But alternatives such as agave syrup, date syrup or coconut blossom sugar have their own challenges. Agave syrup, which is mainly imported from Mexico, is considered particularly common, but its cultivation in monocultures has been criticized. This leads to soil leaching and erosion because the agaves only bloom after 7 to 15 years, while the industry often harvests them after just five years. In addition, this intensive cultivation not only causes soil to die, but flora and fauna also suffer significantly from the consequences. According to ZDF, the entire agriculture sector is under heavy strain due to the high use of pesticides and working conditions, which in the case of agave workers like José Hernández López are extremely precarious.

The environmental impact of agriculture

Agriculture plays a crucial role in global food production. Their environmental impact is significant, and the intensive cultivation of sugar and sugar alternatives leads to a number of ecological problems. These include, among other things, high greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution from chemical fertilizers and loss of biodiversity from monocultures. According to Future Nutrition, around 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to agriculture. In addition, intensive farming and high levels of pesticide use damage soil life and endanger the consuming public.

Environmental organizations and consumer groups criticize the sugar industry for misleading the public about the health effects of sugar consumption. More than half of all processed foods in the supermarket contain sugar in various forms, be it glucose syrup, invert sugar or dextrose. Pressure on consumers is growing as sustainable and climate-positive methods of food production are necessary.

Sustainable sugar alternatives

The search for sustainable sugar substitutes remains a challenge. The University of Bonn is currently researching a new sweet fiber that is said to have fewer calories and at the same time benefits the intestinal flora. However, these developments are not easy. The hurdles to market approval of new sugar substitutes are high, which delays the introduction of sustainable alternatives. In this context, domestic sugar from sugar beets is seen as a more sustainable option as its production occurs with less environmental impact.

The need to inform consumers and make them aware of environmentally friendly manufacturing practices is becoming increasingly important. Tips for supporting local and organic farmers markets and reducing consumption of meat and dairy products could have a positive impact on the current discussion about sugar and its alternatives.

In summary, the ZDF documentary shows that without comprehensive changes in agriculture and consumption habits, the problems associated with sugar consumption and alternatives could persist in the future. The challenge is to promote healthy and sustainable diets that meet both the needs of consumers and the needs of the planet.