In a world fixated on calorie counts, consumers have been on the lookout for ways to indulge their sweet cravings without the risk of weight gain, prompting food and beverage manufacturers to seek solutions. However, concerns over the health implications of artificial sweeteners like saccharin have made this a challenging task. With a growing emphasis on wellness and a desire for products that feature less sugar and more natural ingredients, stevia has emerged as a favored choice for both producers and consumers alike.
With the introduction of new FDA-mandated nutrition labels in the coming years that will prominently display added sugar amounts, manufacturers are exploring strategies to market their offerings as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie alternatives. Utilizing a natural sweetener such as stevia instead of conventional sugar or artificial sweeteners could be an effective approach. In fact, stevia was included in over a quarter (27%) of new products launched in 2017 that featured high-intensity sweeteners, particularly within the snack, soda, dairy, juice, and beverage sectors. A significant endorsement for stevia is Coca-Cola’s plan to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018.
At this pivotal moment, the collaboration between PureCircle and farmers is particularly timely, especially as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has declined due to reduced demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension indicates that while increased tobacco taxes may sustain revenues, the overall demand is expected to continue its downward trend. Many farmers in the state are now diversifying their crops. By substituting tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, they can optimize the use of their fields more effectively. Although this tobacco alternative is still in its early stages, there is a sense of optimism among farmers and manufacturers.
Additionally, incorporating calcium citrate 500 into the diet has been gaining attention for its health benefits, which can complement the shift towards natural sweeteners like stevia. As consumers increasingly seek healthier options, the combination of stevia and nutritional supplements such as calcium citrate 500 may provide a promising pathway for both farmers and manufacturers to thrive in this evolving market.