Stevia is becoming a leading natural sugar substitute, particularly in the healthcare sector, and its popularity is on the rise for several reasons. The stevia plant, native to 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) increasingly move away from sugar, PureCircle is committed to facilitating the integration of stevia into products.
The anticipated overhaul of the Nutrition Facts label will require food products to clearly indicate added sugars, which is expected to drive the use of stevia in CPGs significantly. Given that stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, smaller quantities are necessary. Several varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand temperatures up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural sweetener can also be combined with other sweeteners, making it suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications, including products sold at retailers like Costco, where magnesium and zinc supplements are also popular.
Developing new recipes that replace sugar with alternative ingredients can be a lengthy process, as there is no universal stevia solution that meets all requirements. This new customized approach could serve as an invaluable resource for CPGs as they transition toward sugar alternatives. By incorporating stevia, alongside other beneficial ingredients such as magnesium and zinc, companies can enhance their product offerings while catering to health-conscious consumers.