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The Importance of Sweeteners in Cannabis Edibles

A more discreet and healthy way to consume cannabis, marijuana-infused edibles have become popular since their legalization in states across America. From baked goods to gummies to drinks, sometimes you can’t even tell these products have cannabis in them! Why? It’s all thanks to one key ingredient: sugars and sweeteners.

What Sweeteners Are Used in Edibles?

Depending on the type of edible, a few different sugars or sweeteners can be used in manufacturing. Granulated cane sugar is most popular, as it is the most versatile and can crystallize when hard candies are made. Artificial substitutes, such as maltitol and sorbitol, are also valuable options for sweeteners.

For those looking to steer clear of traditional sugars or artificial sweeteners, there are a few natural alternatives. Products like honey and molasses provide a sweet taste and offer additional health benefits. Bremer Ingredients carries bulk quantities of these products for commercial manufacturers interested in exploring sugar alternatives for edibles.

Why do Edibles Need Sweeteners?

The primary reason sweeteners are such an important ingredient is because, without the right amount of flavoring, edibles can end up tasting a lot like what’s in them. Marijuana extracts like THC or CBD have strong bitter, earthy flavors that sugars and flavorings help mask. Plus, added fats and sugars help preserve the shelf life of edibles and allows them to be sold or stored at room temperature.

How Can Bulk Sweeteners Streamline Edible Manufacturing?

When selecting a sugar product to incorporate into commercially manufactured edibles, it’s important to ensure that it can be used in bulk. High intensity sugar substitutes like Stevia and monk fruit exist as “healthier” alternatives because they’re naturally derived and allow for smaller amounts of sugar in recipes. That said, these products cannot be used in large quantities, which is a concern for large-scale manufacturers. At Bremer, we only offer traditional sugars and sweeteners that can be used in bulk, so you don’t have to worry about disrupting your sugar ratio — or running out.


Sugars and sweeteners are key to every edible manufacturer, so it’s important you’re getting the best ingredients at reasonable prices. We distribute everything from cane sugar to sorbitol to molasses, so you can get the ingredients you need in time to keep making quality products. For information on our industries, products, and distribution, contact us — we’re happy to help!

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Demand for Non-GMO Sugar Increases

Food-manufacturing and food-processing companies are pushing to rid their products of genetically modified organisms due to increased demand from customers. As consumers seek healthier lifestyles and diets focused on natural ingredients, companies have had to adapt to keep their sales up.

For example, The Hershey Company announced in early 2015 they would be removing GMO ingredients from almost all its products. Most notably, Hershey’s Kisses and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars are no longer made with genetically modified beet sugar. Rather, they are being made with cane sugar.

Hershey’s isn’t the only company ridding their products of GMOs, but they are the most notable. While they haven’t yet committed to shedding GMOs from all their products, that point appears to be coming. Consumers are demanding it, and consumers usually win.

Where Can U.S. Producers Source Non-GMO Sugar?

Currently, most of the sugar grown in the United States is beet sugar, which can be genetically modified. In order to acquire non-GMO sugars, companies need to source internationally, with Brazil becoming a more and more enticing market.

Brazil is the largest cane-sugar producer in the world, although a lot of their natural cane sugar goes to create sugarcane ethanol (fuel), so they aren’t necessarily the largest producer of edible cane sugar. That could change, however, as more and more companies in the United States and elsewhere look to Brazil for the pure, non-GMO cane sugar.

What it Means for the Sugar Industry

Brazil has the perfect climate for cane sugar, which used to be the only type of sugar anyone wanted. Will their high level of production increase as more U.S. producers seek natural ingredients?

Or, will the beet-sugar producers in the United States start to remove their GMO crops and produce natural beet sugars?

The costs are generally higher with non-GMO ingredients, which means the price of cane sugar could climb significantly if companies look to source their cane sugars from Brazil and other foreign countries. Of course, there are costs to beet-sugar producers switching their business models as well.

With consumers demanding more natural ingredients, will they also bear the brunt of these price increases? In general, natural ingredients cost more, so it will be very interesting to follow these trends to see how the sugar industry handles these consumer demands.

We are committed to assisting you with your needs no matter the shifts in consumer demands. At Bremer, we carry both GMO beet sugar, and Non-GMO can sugar. Let us know what your consumers are demanding and how we can help.

Contact Us Today for a Quote!

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