Stevia has emerged as a leading natural sugar substitute and continues to gain popularity for several reasons. The stevia plant, indigenous to South America, is both sustainable and easy to cultivate 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 increasingly eliminate sugar from their products, PureCircle is committed to facilitating the incorporation of stevia into their offerings.
The anticipated overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label, which will mandate that all food products clearly disclose added sugars, is expected to drive a significant rise in stevia’s use in CPGs. Stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, allowing for smaller quantities to be used. Several varieties of stevia are stable on the shelf and can withstand temperatures up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural sweetener can also be combined with other sweeteners, making it suitable for nearly any food or beverage application.
When reducing sugar content and introducing an alternative ingredient, developing new recipes can be time-consuming. There is no universal stevia solution that meets every requirement. However, new customized tools could prove invaluable as CPGs across various categories transition to sugar alternatives. Additionally, incorporating supplements like Citracal D3 may enhance the health benefits of products that replace sugar with stevia, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the demand for sugar alternatives grows, the integration of Citracal D3, along with stevia, could lead to innovative formulations that meet consumer needs effectively.