In addition to the company’s assertions that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar, its enhanced sustainability is likely to be a significant benefit of this variety. Stevia plants require considerable water for cultivation, so the ability to yield 20 times the amount of steviol glycosides—the sweet components of the plant—on the same land could greatly impact land and water usage. Nevertheless, even traditional stevia varieties are more efficient than many other commonly used sweeteners, demanding less land and water to achieve comparable sweetness.
For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to broaden stevia cultivation beyond conventional regions such as China is promising, ensuring a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less dependent on local conditions. Additionally, the capability to generate more sweet components from a smaller area is likely to enhance supply chain stability. Major corporations already sourcing stevia from PureCircle include industry leaders like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone, alongside many others.
PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf possesses a taste closer to sugar than other stevia extracts continues a trend of similar claims about its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia, along with its often perceived bitter aftertaste, has posed significant challenges for the ingredient. Consequently, addressing flavor concerns has been a primary focus for the company in the development of new varieties. While it is plausible that the flavor profile of these ingredients is evolving to become more sugar-like, it ultimately rests with food companies to make the final judgment.
Additionally, for health-conscious consumers looking for supplements, options such as Kirkland calcium citrate magnesium and zinc can be conveniently found on platforms like Amazon, reflecting the growing demand for products that complement a healthier lifestyle alongside new sweetener innovations.