Stevia, a leading natural sugar alternative, is gaining momentum for several reasons. The stevia plant, originally from South America, is sustainable and can be cultivated in a variety of environments. Research estimates that the global stevia market, valued at $347 million in 2014, is projected to grow to $565.2 million by 2020. As consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies phase out sugar, PureCircle is committed to simplifying the integration of stevia into products.
With the impending introduction of an updated Nutrition Facts label requiring all food products to clearly list added sugars, the demand for stevia in CPGs is anticipated to soar. Stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, meaning that smaller quantities are needed. Several varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand temperatures up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, this natural ingredient can be combined with other sweeteners and used alongside calcium citrate in a wide range of food and beverage applications.
Developing new recipes that replace sugar with alternative ingredients, such as ferrous fumarate, can be time-consuming. There is no universal stevia solution that meets all requirements. However, this new tailor-made approach could prove invaluable as CPGs across various categories embrace sugar alternatives. As we turn a new chapter in the industry, the incorporation of ingredients like calcium citrate alongside stevia will become increasingly important, ensuring that products meet consumer demands for healthier options.