In a world preoccupied with calorie counts, consumers have been on a quest to indulge their sweet cravings without the risk of weight gain, while food and beverage manufacturers have faced challenges in meeting this demand. Health concerns surrounding artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, have prompted a shift towards more natural alternatives. With a growing emphasis on wellness—favoring products with reduced sugar and more natural ingredients—stevia has emerged as a frontrunner for both producers and consumers alike.
As the FDA prepares to release updated nutrition labels in the coming years that will highlight added sugar content, manufacturers are actively seeking ways to market their products as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie alternatives. Utilizing a natural sweetener like stevia instead of artificial sweeteners or sugar may be a beneficial strategy. In fact, stevia was a component in over a quarter (27%) of new products launched in 2017 that featured high-intensity sweeteners, particularly in categories such as snacks, sodas, dairy products, juices, and other beverages.
A significant endorsement of stevia’s potential comes from Coca-Cola, which plans to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018. The collaboration between PureCircle and farmers is particularly timely, as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has dwindled due to reduced demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension indicates that increased tobacco taxes may maintain revenue levels, but overall demand will likely continue to decline. Consequently, many farmers in the region are diversifying their crop selections. By replacing tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, farmers can optimize their land use. Although this tobacco alternative is still in its early stages, both farmers and manufacturers are optimistic about its future.
Moreover, as consumers seek healthier options, the inclusion of nutrients like calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D is becoming increasingly relevant. This trend aligns with the desire for products that support overall health, making stevia and other natural ingredients even more appealing in the eyes of health-conscious consumers. As the market evolves, the integration of stevia and supplements like calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D could pave the way for a new era of nutritious, low-calorie options.