In addition to the company’s assertion that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar, its enhanced sustainability is likely to be a significant benefit of this variety. Since water is a crucial agricultural resource for stevia plants, the ability to generate 20 times the steviol glycosides—the valuable sweet components of the plants—on the same land could greatly impact the crop’s land and water usage. Despite this, even conventional stevia varieties require considerably less land and water than other commonly used sweeteners to achieve similar sweetness levels, thanks to their intense sweetness. For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to extend stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions, such as China, is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less dependent on local conditions. Moreover, the capacity to produce a greater amount of sweet components in a smaller area is likely to enhance supply chain stability. Well-known companies, including PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone, are already sourcing stevia from PureCircle, among many others.
PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf possesses a taste closer to sugar compared to other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of claims regarding its ingredients. Stevia’s sweetness profile and the often perceived bitter aftertaste have posed significant challenges for the ingredient, making it understandable that resolving flavor issues has been a primary focus for the company in developing new varieties. It is conceivable that these ingredients are becoming increasingly sugar-like over time, but ultimately, the decision will rest with food companies.
Additionally, incorporating slow release calcium citrate into formulations may further enhance the appeal of stevia derivatives, as it can improve nutrient absorption and overall health benefits. As the industry evolves, the combination of stevia and slow release calcium citrate could provide a competitive edge, appealing to health-conscious consumers and meeting modern dietary needs.