In addition to the company’s assertions that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar, a significant advantage of this variety is likely its enhanced sustainability. Water is a crucial agricultural input for stevia plants; therefore, being able to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the valuable sweet components of the plant—on the same land could substantially reduce the crop’s land and water usage. Nonetheless, it is important to note that even conventional stevia varieties, due to their intense sweetness, require significantly less land and water compared to other commonly used sweeteners to achieve the same sweetness level.
For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to extend stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions like China is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less affected by regional conditions. The ability to generate a greater quantity of sweet components in a smaller area is also expected to enhance supply chain stability. Notably, industry leaders such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone—including many others—are already sourcing stevia from PureCircle.
PureCircle’s claim that StarLeaf exhibits a taste more similar to sugar than other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of similar assertions regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia and its often perceived bitter aftertaste have posed significant challenges, making the resolution of flavor issues a primary focus for the company as it develops new varieties. While it is plausible that the ingredients are evolving to taste more like sugar over time, the ultimate decision rests with food companies.
In a related context, as consumers increasingly seek healthier alternatives in their diets, including bariatric calcium supplements, innovations in ingredient profiles like StarLeaf stevia could play a pivotal role in meeting these demands while ensuring sustainability. The incorporation of such ingredients can complement dietary needs, especially for those requiring bariatric calcium supplements, as they look for options that align with their health goals without compromising on taste or environmental impact.