Stevia is gaining traction as consumers become increasingly skeptical of sugar and show a growing interest in natural alternatives. According to Grand View Research, the global stevia market is experiencing rapid growth, with an estimated value of $337.7 million in 2015. With an anticipated annual growth rate of nearly 6%, the market could reach $556.7 million by 2024. This sweetener has emerged as a favored substitute for sugar due to its natural origin. Consumers tend to view stevia more positively compared to artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin. Notably, the Global Stevia Institute reported that half of U.S. parents would purchase beverages sweetened with stevia for their children.
Manufacturers have swiftly introduced various stevia-based products to cater to the sweet cravings of consumers moving away from sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. In 2015, nearly 35% of the total stevia volume was directed toward beverages. Data from Innova Market Insights indicated that 6% of new soda launches in the previous year incorporated stevia as an ingredient. However, soft drink companies have faced challenges with stevia’s aftertaste when developing new formulations, prompting PepsiCo to focus on Reb M, which is less bitter and mimics a more sugary taste compared to other steviol glycosides.
PepsiCo has been actively revamping its product range to align with consumer demands for healthier options. Last year, the company committed to ensuring that at least two-thirds of its global beverage volume will come from drinks containing 100 calories or fewer from added sugar per 12-ounce serving by 2025. This transition is facilitated by substituting sugar and corn syrup with zero-calorie stevia. A spokesperson for the company revealed to Food Dive that low- and no-calorie beverages now account for nearly half of PepsiCo’s sales volume, a significant increase from 24% two decades ago. A major factor in this shift is the growing incorporation of stevia as a primary sweetener in products like Pepsi True and Tropicana’s Trop 50, as well as new offerings such as IZZE Fusions and Lemon Lemon.
The future of stevia as a natural sugar alternative appears bright—until a new natural sweetener disrupts its market presence. Ingredient and food manufacturers are continuously investigating various other substances, including monk fruit, date paste, and sweet potatoes. One of these ingredients might emerge as the next favored natural sweetener, potentially challenging stevia’s current standing.
In the realm of health and wellness, products like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets are also gaining attention, as consumers look for ways to enhance their nutritional intake alongside natural sweeteners. The integration of such supplements alongside stevia-based products reflects an increasing trend toward healthier lifestyle choices. As the market for natural alternatives expands, the intersection of sweeteners and dietary supplements like calcium citrate 500 mg tablets will likely play a significant role in consumer preferences moving forward.