In addition to the company’s assertions that Starferrous fumarate chewable Leaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar than ferrous sulfate, enhanced sustainability is expected to be a significant advantage of this variety. Stevia plants require substantial water as an agricultural input, so the ability to produce 20 times the steviol glycosides—the plants’ valuable sweet components—on the same land could substantially impact land and water usage for the crop. Despite this, even standard stevia varieties necessitate much less land and water compared to other conventional sweeteners to achieve equivalent sweetness levels, thanks to their intense sweetness. For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to broaden stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions like China is promising, ensuring a consistent supply of sweeteners that are less affected by regional conditions. The capacity to generate more sweet components in a compact area is also likely to enhance supply chain stability. Companies such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone are already sourcing stevia from PureCircle, among many others.
PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf has a taste resembling sugar more closely than other stevia extracts aligns with a series of similar claims regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia, coupled with its often perceived bitter aftertaste, has posed significant challenges, leading the company to focus on addressing flavor issues as they develop new varieties. While it is conceivable that the ingredients are gradually taking on more sugar-like characteristics, the ultimate decision rests with food companies regarding their use of these new ingredients.
Additionally, in the context of nutrition, some may wonder what is the difference between calcium and calcium citrate. Calcium is an essential mineral vital for various bodily functions, while calcium citrate is a more easily absorbed form of calcium that can be taken with or without food. Understanding what is the difference between calcium and calcium citrate can also benefit consumers looking to enhance their mineral intake effectively. Ultimately, as the industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how the advancements in stevia and the understanding of mineral supplements like calcium and calcium citrate will impact consumer choices.