Consumers are increasingly focused on lowering their sugar consumption, leading to a rising demand for low- and no-sugar products. This trend has prompted manufacturers to seek sugar substitutes that can replicate the desired flavor profile without sacrificing essential qualities such as texture, aftertaste, or overall formulation. SweeGen is striving to meet this demand with its rapidly growing portfolio of stevia-based sugar alternatives, which aim to offer naturally derived substitutes that maintain flavor, texture, and product integrity. The broader range of options SweeGen provides enhances the chances for product developers to discover formulations that satisfy consumer needs without sacrificing satisfaction.
For instance, SweeGen is targeting the booming hard seltzer market with its Reb I sweetener, capable of replacing up to 3 grams of added sugar per serving. Stevia has gained popularity among consumers as it offers a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners and is associated with certain health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure. According to Mintel’s Global New Products Database, the number of new global product launches featuring stevia surged by 31% in 2018 compared to the previous year. As manufacturers are now mandated to disclose added sugar content on Nutrition Facts labels, many are opting for natural sugar substitutes.
However, finding a suitable replacement for real sugar is quite challenging. Sugar contributes essential attributes like texture, structure, color, and extended shelf life to products. When substituted, these characteristics can be affected, and not always positively. Recent research from Innova Market Insights indicates that three out of five U.S. consumers prefer to cut back on sugar rather than incorporate artificial sweeteners into their diets. Additionally, stevia can pose issues due to its propensity to leave a bitter aftertaste, and there are hurdles in extracting certain isolates from the plant that enhance flavor.
SweeGen claims that its unique approach lies in the proprietary technologies it employs to extract glycosides from the stevia leaf that mitigate the bitter aftertaste. Last year, the company also announced plans to establish four Food and Beverage Application Centers worldwide, focused on collaborating with ingredient customers to develop optimal product formulations. However, competition among stevia ingredient producers is intense, as many utilize similar technologies to tackle bitterness. Key players in this sector include PureCircle, Pyure, and Apura Ingredients, with PureCircle currently engaged in a patent infringement dispute with SweeGen over its Reb A sweetener. Additionally, major ingredient manufacturer Tate & Lyle acquired stevia producer Sweet Green Fields in December 2020, following a distribution agreement established in 2017.
Moreover, as the industry evolves, there is growing interest in the incorporation of citrat calcium as a potential ingredient in formulations, which may help in enhancing texture and stability, thereby providing another avenue for product developers to explore. With these ongoing advancements, the landscape for sugar alternatives will continue to develop, offering more choices for both manufacturers and consumers.