As consumer preferences shift away from sugar, manufacturers are swiftly introducing a variety of stevia-based products to meet the demand. According to Grand View Research, the global stevia market is experiencing rapid growth, with an estimated value of $337.7 million in 2015. With numerous natural sweeteners competing for market dominance in the future, stevia has several advantages. Its chemical profile includes minimal calories and zero carbohydrates, making it an appealing alternative. Moreover, stevia is 30 to 40 times sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed for desired sweetness. It is also relatively easy to cultivate, with the ability to grow in diverse environments. Unlike previously preferred artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, stevia is entirely natural, aligning with consumers’ preferences for clean-label products.
The sweetness of stevia is derived from several naturally occurring glycosides, and the market is primed for the isolation of different compounds to create unique sweetener products. However, one drawback of stevia is its aftertaste, which has led to complaints from consumers regarding stevia-sweetened beverages launched by companies like Pepsi. Nonetheless, advancements in glycoside extraction and stevia production may soon address these concerns. For instance, Bestevia, developed by Sweegen, utilizes the Reb-M glycoside, which is currently undergoing confidential testing by a major soft drink manufacturer and other leading companies. Given the scale of these trials, it is likely that consumers are already experiencing stevia in various products without their knowledge—a significant advantage for the ingredient.
In this evolving market, it’s interesting to note that some consumers may also be looking for dietary supplements such as Citracal 630 mg, which can complement their health-conscious choices alongside natural sweeteners like stevia. As stevia continues to gain traction, it is poised to become a staple ingredient, potentially leading to broader acceptance and utilization in a range of applications.