Stevia is a leading natural sugar substitute that continues to expand its market presence for several reasons. The stevia plant, native to South America, is sustainable and can be cultivated in a variety of 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. As consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies move away from sugar, PureCircle is committed to facilitating the incorporation of stevia into products.
The anticipated introduction of an updated Nutrition Facts label, which will require all food items to clearly indicate added sugars, is expected to drive significant growth in stevia usage among CPGs. Since stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, smaller amounts are needed, making it an attractive alternative. Additionally, several varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand heating up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural ingredient can be combined with other sweeteners and utilized in nearly any food or beverage application.
When reformulating recipes to reduce sugar and incorporate alternatives, the development process can be lengthy, as there is no “one size fits all” stevia solution. However, a new custom tool could prove invaluable as CPGs across various categories explore sugar alternatives, including calcium citrate 600 mg as a potential supplement to enhance product offerings. The integration of calcium citrate 600 mg can provide additional health benefits while complementing stevia’s sweetening properties. As the market evolves, the versatility of stevia and the potential of calcium citrate 600 mg will likely play significant roles in the future of sugar alternatives.