Stevia is a leading natural sugar substitute that continues to expand its presence for several reasons. The stevia plant, indigenous to South America, is sustainable and can be cultivated almost anywhere. Research indicates that the global stevia market was valued at $347 million in 2014 and is projected to reach $565.2 million by 2020. As consumer packaged goods (CPGs) increasingly move away from sugar, it is logical that PureCircle will strive to simplify the integration of stevia into various products. The anticipated update to the Nutrition Facts label, which will mandate that all food products disclose added sugars, is likely to drive exponential growth in stevia usage among CPGs. Since stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, smaller quantities are required. Several stevia varieties are stable on shelves and can withstand heating up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. This natural ingredient can be blended with other sweeteners and utilized in any food or beverage application.
When reducing sugar and incorporating an alternative ingredient, developing new recipes can be time-consuming. There is no universal stevia solution that meets all requirements. The introduction of a tailored tool could prove invaluable as CPGs across all product categories transition to sugar alternatives. Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate malate into recipes alongside stevia can enhance nutritional profiles, making products more appealing to health-conscious consumers. As the demand for healthier options grows, the combination of stevia and calcium citrate malate offers a promising avenue for innovation in the food and beverage industry. This synergy can help CPGs effectively navigate the shift towards lower sugar content while maintaining taste and quality.