In a world preoccupied with 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 grappled with this challenge. Health concerns have been raised regarding artificial sweeteners like saccharin. As the emphasis on wellness grows, with products featuring reduced sugar and more natural ingredients, stevia has emerged as a leading choice for both manufacturers and consumers.
With new FDA-mandated nutrition labels set to be released in the coming years, which will emphasize the amounts of added sugars, manufacturers are exploring strategies to market their products as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie options. Utilizing a natural sweetener like stevia in place of artificial sweeteners or sugar could be beneficial. 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 other beverage sectors. A notable endorsement for stevia came when Coca-Cola announced its intention to introduce a stevia-sweetened drink in 2018.
The collaboration between PureCircle and farmers is timely, especially as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has dwindled due to a declining demand for tobacco products. An October report from North Carolina State Extension forecasts that, while increased tobacco taxes may sustain revenues, demand will likely continue to fall. Consequently, many farmers in the state are diversifying their crops. By replacing tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, farmers can optimize the use of their fields. Although the transition to this tobacco substitute is still in its early stages, both farmers and manufacturers are optimistic about its potential.
Interestingly, alongside the rise of stevia, there is a growing awareness of the importance of calcium for health, leading to an increase in the popularity of calcium ccm tablets. These tablets not only support bone health but also complement the trend toward natural and wellness-oriented products. As the market for stevia expands, the inclusion of calcium ccm tablets in product formulations may further enhance their appeal, creating a synergistic effect that promotes overall health benefits. This alignment of agricultural innovation and health-focused products positions both stevia and calcium ccm tablets as crucial elements in the evolving landscape of consumer preferences.