Starbucks China on Tuesday has unveiled its sugar-free flavored coffee products across more than 7,600 stores nationwide, allowing health-conscious customers to have greater control over the sweetness of their beverages and expanding their customer reach.

The sugar-free coffee line separates flavor from sugar, providing consumers with the option to enjoy a full-flavored coffee experience without compromising taste, said the company. Previously it was very challenging to reduce sugar without comprising flavors in those coffee beverages.

The company said this innovation creates at least 500 different combinations of flavors and sweetness levels, enabling personalized coffee experiences that cater to diverse preferences.

In developing this new product line, Starbucks China said they conducted extensive market research and flavor sensory tests, completing 74 rounds and iterating through over 40 versions. The result is that it uses a zero-sugar flavor concentrate combined with a separate plain syrup, allowing flavor and sugar to function independently.

To further enhance this offering, Starbucks has introduced a zero-calorie sugar substitute made from plant-based steviosides and mogrosides, providing an additional sweetening option for its coffee.

Market research from Starbucks indicates a growing demand for sugar-free and low-sugar flavored coffee among Chinese consumers. Among over 1,600 respondents, 71 percent reported enjoying flavored coffee, while 31 percent expressed concerns over the health implications of sugar, and 40 percent felt that overly sweet flavored coffees negatively impacted taste.

Yang Zhen, chief growth officer of Starbucks China, said: "We have identified a significant unmet demand among Chinese customers for sugar-free and low-sugar flavored coffee. With this product innovation, Starbucks aims to lead the flavored coffee market into the sugar-free era, addressing the varying flavor and sweetness preferences of our customers".

Starbucks' latest innovation is also a proactive response to the country's National Health Commission's "Three-Year Action Plan for National Health Weight Management".

Academician Chen Junshi of the Chinese Academy of Engineering said, "Technological innovation from leading enterprises like Starbucks is crucial in this initiative. Their customizable drink options allow customers to enjoy authentic coffee while reducing sugar intake is a way to contribute to a healthy lifestyle among the public".

Nutrition expert Zhao Wenhua said Starbucks has provided clarity on coffee composition and supported the promotion of sugar control within the catering industry.