The initiative to enhance vanilla and cocoa flavors with stevia-derived ingredients may appear to be a novel approach for PureCircle; however, it is a natural progression of the company’s current offerings. Much of their research has been dedicated to replicating a sugar-like sweetness using stevia, which requires an in-depth comprehension of the flavor masking and enhancing capabilities of various compounds found in the stevia leaf. The company has shifted its focus from the early reliance on rebaudioside A, the sweetest and most prevalent natural sweetener in stevia, to developing stevia sweeteners derived from less common extracts, such as rebaudiosides D and M, which are reportedly closer in flavor to sugar.
Both the cocoa and vanilla markets have experienced fluctuations, making the provision of flavor enhancers for these ingredients attractive to manufacturers aiming to control costs. In early 2016, cocoa prices exceeded $3,000 per ton, prompting chocolate producers to invest in more sustainable cocoa farming practices. At the same time, vanilla prices have skyrocketed, rising from approximately $25 per kilogram in 2012 to around $225 per kilogram in 2016 due to shortages.
Moreover, the plant-based nature of PureCircle’s new flavor enhancers is likely to resonate with companies seeking to highlight their natural product credentials, a strategy that also appeals to a significant consumer base. For those interested in enhancing their products with calcium citrate, knowing where to buy it can complement the use of these innovative stevia enhancements. As the market continues to evolve, the demand for sustainable and natural flavoring solutions, including calcium citrate where to buy, will likely remain strong.