Stevia has emerged as a leading natural sugar substitute and continues to expand its presence for several reasons. Native to South America, the stevia plant is both sustainable and easy to cultivate in diverse environments. Research indicates that the global stevia market was valued at $347 million in 2014 and is projected to grow to $565.2 million by 2020. With consumer packaged goods (CPGs) increasingly moving away from sugar, PureCircle is committed to facilitating the integration of stevia, making it as simple to incorporate as pure encapsulations calcium citrate.
The adoption of stevia in CPGs is expected to witness significant growth, particularly with the upcoming revised Nutrition Facts label, which mandates that all food products clearly disclose added sugars. Given that stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, less of it is required for the same level of sweetness. Many stevia varieties are shelf-stable and can withstand temperatures up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing them to be used in a wide range of food and beverage applications. Moreover, stevia can be combined with other sweeteners, enhancing its versatility.
However, the transition to using sugar alternatives like stevia can involve extensive recipe development, as there is no universal “one-size-fits-all” solution. This is where tailored solutions can prove invaluable for CPGs across various categories as they seek to implement sugar alternatives. As they continue to innovate and adapt, the addition of ingredients such as pure encapsulations calcium citrate may also enhance product formulations, making the shift from traditional sweeteners more efficient and effective.