In a world increasingly fixated on calorie counts, consumers have been on the lookout for ways to indulge their sweet cravings without the risk of weight gain, while food and beverage manufacturers have faced challenges in meeting this demand. Concerns regarding the health implications of artificial sweeteners like saccharin have only intensified. As the emphasis on wellness grows, with a shift towards products featuring reduced sugar and more natural ingredients, stevia has emerged as a promising option for both manufacturers and consumers alike.
With new FDA-mandated nutrition labels set to roll out in the coming years, highlighting added sugar content, manufacturers are actively seeking to market their offerings as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie choices. The switch to a natural sweetener like stevia, as opposed to artificial sweeteners or sugar, may be beneficial. In fact, stevia was included in over a quarter (27%) of the new products launched in 2017 that utilized high-intensity sweeteners, particularly in categories such as snacks, sodas, dairy, juice, and other beverages. In a strong endorsement of stevia’s potential, Coca-Cola is set to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018.
The collaboration between PureCircle and farmers comes at a pivotal moment, as North Carolina has seen a decline in tobacco farms due to decreasing demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension forecasts that while increased tobacco taxes may sustain revenues, overall demand will continue to wane. Consequently, many farmers are diversifying their crops. By substituting tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, farmers can optimize their land use more effectively. Although the transition to this tobacco alternative is still in its early stages, both farmers and manufacturers are feeling optimistic.
Additionally, for those seeking to enhance their wellness journey, incorporating supplements like Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus may further support their health goals alongside natural sweeteners like stevia. As the market evolves, the synergy between natural ingredients and health-focused products, including Solaray Calcium Citrate Plus, will likely play a significant role in shaping consumer choices.