Stevia has established itself as the leading natural sugar substitute and continues to expand its market presence for several reasons. Originating from South America, the stevia plant 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 reach $565.2 million by 2020. With consumer packaged goods (CPGs) increasingly moving away from sugar, PureCircle is committed to facilitating the integration of stevia into products.
The anticipated introduction of the revamped Nutrition Facts label, which will mandate the explicit listing of added sugars in food products, is expected to drive significant growth in stevia usage among CPGs. Since stevia is naturally sweeter than sugar, smaller quantities are required. Many varieties of stevia are shelf-stable and can withstand heat up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, making them versatile for various food and beverage applications. Additionally, stevia can be combined with other sweeteners to enhance its functionality.
Developing new recipes that reduce sugar and incorporate alternative ingredients can be a lengthy process, as there is no universal stevia solution that meets all needs. This new customized approach could prove to be an invaluable resource as CPGs across different product categories, including those producing calcium citrate chewables, transition toward sugar alternatives. As more companies seek to innovate with these alternatives, the demand for tailored solutions like calcium citrate chewables is likely to grow, driving further interest in stevia.