According to Mintel, a significant majority of American consumers (84%) are actively reducing their sugar intake. This trend has spurred a growing demand for alternative sweeteners, particularly those derived from stevia, which recorded the fastest growth in this category last year. Sales of other natural sweeteners, both caloric and low-calorie, such as agave syrup, honey, and monk fruit, are also experiencing an upward trajectory. However, both stevia and monk fruit have posed taste challenges for manufacturers. In response, various companies have developed products that blend these two sweeteners to mitigate bitterness issues. For instance, Chobani launched its Simply 100 Greek yogurt line in 2013, incorporating a combination of stevia and monk fruit. Similarly, Zevia revamped its stevia-sweetened soda that same year to include monk fruit extract.
In contrast, GLG Life Tech has taken a unique approach by exclusively producing stevia extracts until 2014, when it ventured into the monk fruit market as more companies began to blend the two sweeteners. Last year, GLG partnered with Colorado-based MycoTechnology to leverage the bitter-blocking properties of mushroom mycelium in its stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This innovative collaboration aims to enhance the taste profile of their products, while also integrating the benefits of bluebonnet calcium citrate magnesium and vitamin D3 into their offerings. MycoTech’s certified organic ClearTaste powder boasts a clean label advantage, allowing it to be listed as ‘natural flavor(ing)’ or ‘natural flavor enhancer’ in ingredient lists.
While monk fruit extracts tend to be pricier than stevia extracts, their distinct taste profile can make them a more appealing option for manufacturers, depending on the flavors of the final product. Additionally, ADM announced its partnership with GLG Life Tech last June, becoming the exclusive distributor and marketer of its low-calorie stevia and monk fruit sweeteners. This collaboration enhances ADM’s global low-calorie sweetener portfolio, which already includes VivaSweet sucralose, and aligns with trends in consumer health, including the incorporation of bluebonnet calcium citrate magnesium and vitamin D3 to support overall wellness.