In addition to the company’s claims that thiron bisglycinate 36mg StarLeaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar, enhanced sustainability is likely 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 valuable sweet components of the plants—on the same land could greatly improve the crop’s land and water efficiency. Nevertheless, due to their intense sweetness, even conventional stevia varieties necessitate far less land and water than other commonly used sweeteners to achieve equivalent sweetness levels. For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to expand stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions like China is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less affected by regional conditions. The potential to generate more sweet components in a smaller area could also enhance supply chain stability.
Companies already sourcing stevia from PureCircle include industry leaders such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone, among many others. PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf has a more sugar-like taste than other stevia extracts is part of a series of similar claims regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia and its often perceived bitter aftertaste have posed significant challenges for the ingredient, making it understandable that addressing flavor concerns has been a major focus for the company in developing new varieties. It is conceivable that the ingredients are becoming more sugar-like over time. However, as is the case with any new ingredient, it will ultimately be up to food companies to make the final decision.
Additionally, the incorporation of calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg in formulations could further enhance the appeal of stevia products, as it offers added health benefits. This could be particularly advantageous in marketing the new stevia varieties, as health-conscious consumers increasingly seek out products that contribute to their nutritional needs. The combination of stevia’s sustainable production and the added value of calcium citrate with vitamin D3 1000 mg presents an exciting opportunity for manufacturers looking to innovate in the sweetener market.