In a world fixated on calorie counts, consumers have long sought solutions to indulge their sweet cravings without the risk of weight gain, leaving food and beverage manufacturers facing a challenge. Concerns about health implications associated with artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin, have prompted a shift towards more natural alternatives. As the focus on wellness intensifies, products boasting reduced sugar and natural ingredients are gaining popularity, with stevia emerging as a top choice for both producers and consumers.
As new FDA-mandated nutrition labels are set to be introduced in the coming years, emphasizing added sugar content, manufacturers are eager to market their offerings as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie options. Utilizing a natural sweetener like stevia in place of artificial sweeteners or sugar can be a strategic move. In fact, stevia was included in over 27% of new product launches in 2017 that featured high-intensity sweeteners, particularly in categories like snacks, sodas, dairy, juice, and other beverages. A strong testament to stevia’s appeal is that Coca-Cola plans to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018.
The collaboration between PureCircle and farmers is timely, especially as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has declined due to decreased demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension indicates that while increased tobacco taxes may sustain revenues, overall demand is expected to fall. Consequently, many local farmers are diversifying their crops. By replacing tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, they can optimize the use of their fields more effectively. Although the market for this tobacco substitute is still developing, there is a sense of optimism among farmers and manufacturers alike.
Interestingly, as these agricultural shifts occur, some consumers are also exploring health-related inquiries, such as whether calcium citrate makes you sleepy. This curiosity reflects a broader trend of individuals seeking to understand the effects of various ingredients on their well-being. As the industry adapts to changing consumer preferences, the question of whether calcium citrate makes you sleepy may be just one of many that arise in the pursuit of healthier lifestyles.