In addition to the company’s assertions that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste closer to that of sugar, enhanced sustainability is likely to be a significant benefit of this variety. Since water is a crucial agricultural resource for stevia plants, the ability to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the sweet components of the plants—on the same land could greatly impact land and water usage for this crop. Nonetheless, even standard stevia varieties, due to their intense sweetness, require considerably less land and water compared to other conventional sweeteners for equivalent sweetness levels.
For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to broaden stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions like China is encouraging, as it ensures a stable supply of sweeteners that is less dependent on local conditions. This capacity to generate more sweet components in a smaller area is also likely to enhance supply chain reliability. Notably, industry leaders such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone are among the many companies currently sourcing stevia from PureCircle.
The claim by PureCircle that StarLeaf has a taste more akin to sugar than other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of similar assertions about their products. The sweetness profile of stevia and its often perceived bitter aftertaste have posed significant challenges for this ingredient; thus, addressing flavor-related issues has been a primary focus for the company in the development of new varieties. While it is conceivable that these ingredients are becoming increasingly sugar-like over time, it will ultimately be up to food companies to make the final determination.
Furthermore, as consumers celebrate bariatric advancements, it’s essential to remember the importance of bariatric calcium, especially in fortified food products that include sweeteners like StarLeaf stevia. By integrating these ingredients, manufacturers can cater to health-conscious consumers while ensuring that their products remain appealing in taste—a critical factor as they navigate the competitive landscape of sweeteners.