South Korea's zero-sugar craze is driving a sharp shift in the food sweetener market, with imports of polyols like erythritol and D-sorbitol surging. However, divergent national regulations on permitted sweeteners and usage limits create technical trade barriers. Overseas buyers must verify target-country rules to avoid compliance risks and seize opportunities in this fast-evolving supply chain.
Import surge and market shift
According to a study published in *Food Science and Industry* by researchers from Chung-Ang University, Kangwon National University, Sunmoon University, and others, South Korea's Food Additives Code lists 22 sweeteners. Among them, 21 are primarily used as sweeteners. Over the past decade (2015–2024), import data shows a clear generational change: the top three imported sweeteners by volume are D-sorbitol liquid, D-sorbitol, and erythritol.
D-sorbitol imports surged to 13,783 metric tons in 2020 and have remained above 10,000 metric tons annually through 2023. D-sorbitol liquid nearly tripled from 2,706 metric tons in 2021 to 8,170 metric tons in 2023, driven by processing convenience. Erythritol posted the steepest growth, rising from 3,167 metric tons in 2021 to 5,291 metric tons in 2023, fueled by low-carb and health-conscious diets.
Regulatory divergence across key markets
Global regulatory bodies show significant differences in approved sweeteners. The Codex Alimentarius lists 16 sweeteners, the U.S. 18, China 16, Japan 15, the EU 13, and Australia only 6—contrasting with South Korea's 22. Only four sweeteners—neotame, sucralose, aspartame, and thaumatin—have common usage standards in South Korea and all major markets.
Conversely, licorice extract, disodium glycyrrhizinate, and enzyme-treated stevia are permitted only in South Korea and Japan. Processed foods containing these sweeteners face extra scrutiny when exported to other regions, requiring careful compliance planning.
Safety reassessment and ADI insights
The study reviewed acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for 16 major sweeteners. Aspartame has the highest ADI at 40 mg/kg body weight/day, followed by sucralose (15 mg/kg), acesulfame potassium (9 mg/kg), and sodium saccharin (5 mg/kg). Twelve polyols and other sweeteners, including lactitol, erythritol, and D-sorbitol, are classified as "ADI Not Specified," indicating negligible toxicological risk and no need for numerical intake limits.
What buyers should watch
Traditional synthetic sweeteners such as sodium saccharin and acesulfame potassium, along with D-xylose and xylitol, are seeing declining imports as consumers shift toward natural and polyol-based options. Importers and distributors should monitor South Korea's evolving regulatory landscape and align sourcing strategies with target-market approvals. The researchers stress that imported sweeteners must comply with local standards and that international harmonization of sweetener regulations is urgently needed to facilitate trade.
Compliance and logistics signals
For overseas suppliers, the key takeaway is that South Korea's sweetener market is increasingly import-dependent but strictly regulated. Any product containing sweeteners not approved in the destination country may face rejection or delays. Companies exporting processed foods to South Korea should verify that all sweetener ingredients are listed in the Korean Food Additives Code. Conversely, South Korean exporters must ensure their products meet the sweetener regulations of each target market, especially for less common additives like enzyme-treated stevia.
Source: Read the original report | Published: April 01, 2026