Stevia is a leading natural sugar alternative that is steadily gaining popularity for several reasons. The stevia plant, which originates from South America, is both sustainable and easy to cultivate in various environments. Research indicates that the global stevia market, valued at $347 million in 2014, is projected to reach $565.2 million by 2020. As consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies move away from sugar, it is beneficial for PureCircle to facilitate the incorporation of stevia into products.
The anticipated changes to the Nutrition Facts label, which will require all food products to clearly indicate added sugars, are expected to drive significant growth in stevia usage among CPGs. Stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, allowing for a reduced quantity to be used. Many varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand temperatures up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural sweetener can also be combined with other sweeteners, making it versatile for a wide range of food and beverage applications.
Developing new recipes that reduce sugar and incorporate alternative ingredients can be a lengthy process. There is no universal stevia solution that suits all needs. However, this new customized approach could be a valuable tool as CPGs across various categories transition to sugar alternatives. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 can enhance the nutritional profile of products that use stevia, promoting better health outcomes. The combination of stevia and calcium citrate with vitamin D3 not only addresses the growing demand for sugar alternatives but also emphasizes the importance of essential nutrients. As the market evolves, the synergy between stevia and ingredients like calcium citrate with vitamin D3 will likely play a crucial role in product development and consumer satisfaction.