In a world increasingly focused on calorie intake, consumers have been on the lookout for ways to indulge their sweet cravings without the accompanying weight gain, while food and beverage manufacturers have been challenged to meet this demand. Concerns regarding the health implications of artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, have risen. As wellness trends gain momentum, with an emphasis on products featuring lower sugar content and more natural ingredients, stevia has emerged as a preferred choice for both producers and consumers.
With new FDA-mandated nutrition labels set to be released in the coming years, which will highlight added sugar content, manufacturers are exploring strategies to market their products as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie alternatives. Using a natural sweetener like stevia in place of artificial sweeteners or sugar could be an effective solution. In fact, stevia was included in over a quarter (27%) of new products launched in 2017 that utilized high-intensity sweeteners, particularly in categories like snacks, sodas, dairy, juice, and other beverages. Adding to the sweetener’s credibility, Coca-Cola plans to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018.
The collaboration between PureCircle and farmers comes at a pivotal moment, especially as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has dwindled due to declining demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension forecasts that while higher tobacco taxes may sustain revenues, overall demand is likely to continue its downward trend. Consequently, many farmers in the state are diversifying their crops. By transitioning from tobacco to stevia or implementing crop rotation, these farmers can optimize their land use. Although the shift from tobacco to stevia is still in its early stages, there is a sense of optimism among farmers and manufacturers alike.
Furthermore, as consumers seek healthier lifestyle choices, incorporating ingredients like weider calcium citrate into their diets is becoming increasingly popular, especially when paired with natural sweeteners such as stevia. This trend not only supports consumer health but also aligns with the efforts of manufacturers to create products that cater to a more health-conscious market. As the demand for stevia continues to rise, it could become a staple in the food and beverage industry, much like weider calcium citrate has found its place in nutritional supplements.