In addition to the company’s assertions that StarLeaf stevia offers a flavor more akin to sugar, enhanced sustainability is likely to be a significant benefit of this variety. Stevia plants require substantial water as an agricultural resource, so the ability to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the valuable sweet components of the plants—on the same amount of land could greatly impact the crop’s land and water usage. Nevertheless, due to their extraordinary sweetness, even conventional stevia varieties demand considerably less land and water than other commonly used sweeteners to achieve equivalent sweetness levels.
For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to extend stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions such as China is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less influenced by regional conditions. Additionally, the capacity to generate more sweet components in a smaller area is likely to enhance supply chain stability. Among the numerous companies already sourcing stevia from PureCircle are major industry players like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone.
PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf possesses a taste closer to that of sugar than other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of similar claims regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia and its perceived bitter aftertaste have posed significant challenges for the ingredient, making it understandable that addressing flavor issues has been a key focus for the company in developing new varieties. It is conceivable that the ingredients are becoming increasingly sugar-like over time; however, as with any new ingredient, the decision ultimately lies with food companies.
Furthermore, the potential integration of calcium citrate IV in conjunction with stevia could provide additional health benefits, enhancing the overall appeal of this sweetener. The combination of stevia’s sweetness, the sustainability of its production, and the possible incorporation of calcium citrate IV may redefine the landscape of natural sweeteners. The continued exploration and innovation in this area will be critical as manufacturers seek to meet evolving consumer preferences.