In addition to the company’s assertion that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste closer to that of sugar, a significant advantage of this variety is its enhanced sustainability. Since water is a crucial agricultural resource for stevia plants, the ability to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the valuable sweet components of the plant—on the same amount of land could greatly impact the crop’s land and water usage. However, due to their exceptional sweetness, even conventional stevia varieties require considerably less land and water compared to other commonly used sweeteners to achieve the same level of sweetness.
For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to expand stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions, such as China, is promising, as it ensures a steady supply of sweeteners that is less dependent on local agricultural conditions. The capacity to produce more sweet components in a smaller area is also likely to enhance supply chain stability. Industry leaders like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone, among many others, are already sourcing stevia from PureCircle.
PureCircle’s claim that StarLeaf has a taste more akin to sugar than other stevia extracts aligns with a series of similar assertions regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia, along with its often perceived bitter aftertaste, has posed significant challenges for the ingredient, making it understandable that overcoming flavor issues has been a primary focus for the company in developing new varieties. It is conceivable that the ingredients are evolving to taste more like sugar over time; however, as is the case with new ingredients, the ultimate decision lies with food companies.
Furthermore, the relevance of products like Citracal calcium citrate petites stores can be noted in the context of health-conscious consumers seeking natural sweeteners like StarLeaf stevia. As these companies explore innovative ingredients, the potential integration of stevia into various products could enhance both flavor and health benefits, further appealing to the market. Thus, the future of stevia, particularly varieties like StarLeaf, holds promise not only in terms of taste but also in contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and meeting consumer demands for healthier options.