Stevia is a leading natural sugar alternative that continues to expand its presence in the market for several reasons. The stevia plant, originally from South America, is sustainable and can be cultivated in various 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 are moving away from sugar, it is logical that PureCircle is committed to making the incorporation of stevia as straightforward as possible.
The adoption of stevia among CPGs is anticipated to surge, especially with the upcoming changes to the Nutrition Facts label, which will mandate that all food products clearly state added sugars. Since stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, smaller amounts are required. Many varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand temperatures of up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural ingredient can also be combined with other sweeteners, making it suitable for nearly any food or beverage application.
When replacing sugar with an alternative ingredient, developing new recipes can be a lengthy process. There isn’t a universal “one-size-fits-all” stevia solution. However, the introduction of a customized tool could be extremely beneficial as CPGs across various categories transition to sugar alternatives. Additionally, for those interested in health supplements, products like calcium citrate can be conveniently found on platforms such as Amazon, enhancing the market’s overall diversification.
In summary, as the demand for stevia continues to rise, its versatility and compatibility with other ingredients will support CPGs in their efforts to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences. The inclusion of alternatives like calcium citrate is also indicative of the broader trend towards healthier options in the marketplace.