Stevia has emerged as a leading natural sugar alternative and continues to expand its market presence for several reasons. The stevia plant, indigenous to South America, is both sustainable and easy to cultivate in various environments. Research indicates that the global stevia market was valued at $347 million in 2014 and is projected to grow to $565.2 million by 2020. As consumer packaged goods (CPGs) companies move away from sugar, it is logical for PureCircle to strive to facilitate the incorporation of stevia into their products.
The anticipated revisions to the Nutrition Facts label, which will mandate the clear listing of added sugars in all food products, are expected to drive a substantial increase in stevia usage among CPGs. Since stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, less of it is required to achieve the desired sweetness. Many varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand heating up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, this natural ingredient can be combined with other sweeteners, making it versatile for nearly any food or beverage application.
When formulating new recipes to replace sugar with alternative ingredients like stevia, the development process can be lengthy. There is no universal stevia solution that meets all requirements. However, incorporating calcium citrate USP and vitamin D3 into formulations can enhance the nutritional profile of products that include stevia. This innovative, customized tool could prove to be invaluable as CPGs across various product categories transition to sugar alternatives, including those fortified with calcium citrate USP and vitamin D3 for added health benefits.