Low-Glycemic Market Poised to Top $1 Billion: Report

by Edmund Jenks | December 19, 2006 at 09:18 am

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DECEMBER 19, 2006 -- NEW YORK - Low-glycemic foods and beverages have carved out their own niche in the mainstream U.S. market, with year-end sales expected to reach $350 million, says market research firm Packaged Facts here in its report "Low Glycemic Index Food and Beverages in the U.S."

According to packaged facts, sales will keep growing at a compound annual growth rate of over 45 percent from 2007 to 2011, with sales projected to hit $1.8 billion in 2011.

Low-glycemic products target the over 20 million diabetics in the United States, in addition to consumers concerned about boosting their energy level and losing weight.

Rising consumer awareness of the impact of carbohydrates on the body is driving sales, particularly those of food bars and beverages, which account for a combined 90 percent of the current market and jibe with the low-glycemic image of a fast, stabilizing energy source.

"Low glycemic foods and beverages have made it out of their corners in health food stores to become a widely accepted addition to supermarkets, mass merchandisers and drug stores where they are often double marketed with like foods as well as in the diabetic supplies aisle," said Packaged Facts publisher Don Montuori. "This exposure, positive press, and a wealth of new product offerings have helped create a remarkable growth market much akin to what low-carb was."

The report, which costs $2,500, examines new product trends, provides competitive profiles of industry leaders and emerging brands, and identifies consumer trends, behaviors, and health issues relating to low-glycemic products. "Low Glycemic Index Food and Beverages in the U.S." is available at Packagedfacts.com, MarketResearch.com.

As a diabetic suffering now because of denial issues early on, if you or any of your friends or family even slightly suspect that they might be diabetic, or have a family history of the disease, all I can say is pay attention to this story. It might save you from serious heartbreak down the road, or even save your life. Either way, do a search on symptoms--if you show any--find a friend with a glucose test system (aka almost any diagnosed diabetic), have him/her test your blood glucose level for you (insist on a new lancet), so at least you'll have some idea of where you are at. If you're one of the fortunate few with insurance here in the U.S., this is something that is done as part of your routine examinations. If you happen to be among the millions of working poor and middle class Americans who cannot afford health insurance, not so much.

I did notice, during early efforts to lose weight, that a low carb diet and some light exercise worked miracles. Often times those two things combine to circumvent the need for medications, which is a good thing, A very good thing! (no matter what the doctors and drug companies may want you to think). One other thing I should mention, and this is where I went wrong, DO NOT quit testing your BG level just because your BG numbers are where they should be. Things can, and do, change fast with diabetes, and a false sense of security will lead you down the path of wrong food choices and excuses for not exercising. Btw, I find that walking just before daybreak (right after I wake up) is the best time for my exercising...before I can find a reason not to, or get distracted by other things. As my younger brother, who is down to his kness on both legs due to circulation problems related to diabetes says, "Test test test." He means your sugar, not the mic level at the local blues jam.

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Low-Glycemic Market Poised to Top $1 Billion: Report

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