Vinamilk has consistently introduced product lines with improved formulas, reducing sugar while retaining their distinctive flavors. For example, the company has reduced sugar in its yogurt lines: Aloe Vera by 5%, Strawberry by 7%, and Black Sticky Rice by 11%. These adjustments offer consumers a lighter, more pleasant, and balanced taste experience.

In the children's product category, Optimum Gold Step 3-4 and Optimum Colos Step 3 have seen slight reductions in sugar content. Specifically, Optimum Colos Step 3 was reduced from 2,9% to 2,3%, yet it continues to meet international standards for energy and micronutrients.

For family products, Necta juice lines, including Orange and Peach, will have their added sugar reduced by 25% compared to old formulas in 2025. The Guava flavor will complete its reduction by March 2026. High-calcium soy milk also saw a 14% sugar reduction starting in 2025, with sales reflecting continued consumer acceptance of the flavor. These products and specific figures mark the initial steps in the company's sugar reduction journey, with further decreases planned for the future.

According to Nguyen Quang Tri, Vinamilk's Marketing Executive Director, the company's sugar reduction journey stems from a deep understanding of Vietnamese consumer trends and health needs. "When we talk about sugar reduction, we are not just thinking about numbers in a formula. Most importantly, every improvement Vinamilk makes aims to provide more balanced choices: aligning with healthy living trends and meeting the nutritional demands of modern life", Mr. Tri emphasized.

Nguyen Quang Tri speaking at the Vietnam International Dairy Exhibition 2024. Photo: Vinamilk

The sugar reduction roadmap is the result of years of systematic and continuous research. Vinamilk's research and development (R&D) team constantly tests and evaluates formulas to rebalance them. This process ensures that even with reduced sugar, the familiar taste remains intact.

Furthermore, these products meet the nutritional standards of the Ministry of Health of Vietnam and comply with the international CODEX Alimentarius standards. CODEX Alimentarius is a system of guidelines developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), serving as a global benchmark for food safety and nutritional value.

Through its sugar reduction efforts, Vinamilk offers consumers a wider array of choices, ranging from full-sugar products to low-sugar, no-sugar, and specialized lines tailored for specific nutritional needs.

A Vinamilk representative stated that every product is meticulously researched to deliver natural taste and balanced nutrition suitable for various lifestyles. This diversity empowers consumers to easily choose products that fit their needs, fostering healthier habits and proactive daily health management.

Vinamilk offers internationally standardized products that meet the nutritional needs of Vietnamese consumers. Photo: Vinamilk

My Phuong, 35 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City, always pays attention to the ingredients and nutritional value of each product, seeking options that are both flavorful and healthy. "My family often prefers products with a moderate sweetness and a lighter taste, as they feel pleasant and still delicious", Ms. Phuong said.

Ms. Phuong's preferences are increasingly common among consumers. More individuals are prioritizing a balance between taste, sugar content, and nutritional value in products, changing their food choices as health becomes a top priority.

Globally, a NielsenIQ 2025 report indicates that 70% of consumers actively manage their health. "Healthy" product categories are more prioritized than ever, spanning food, beverages, and daily nutritional products. A clear shift is the trend towards controlling daily sugar intake, with consumers seeking brands that offer appropriate sugar levels to help balance and maintain stable energy.

Alongside changing consumer trends, food companies are proactively reducing sugar. In the UK, after the implementation of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy in 2018, beverage companies actively adjusted their formulas. This led to a roughly 10% reduction in sugar consumption within just one year, without impacting sales, according to research by the University of Cambridge and BBC News, 2021.

In the Vietnamese market, Vinamilk's sugar reduction roadmap aims to realize its philosophy of "continuously raising comprehensive standards". This aligns with a long-term commitment to support Vietnamese people in achieving healthy living goals. This roadmap has been maintained for years, with each innovation driven by a deep understanding of actual consumer needs.

Diep Chi