As consumer preferences shift away from sugar, manufacturers have swiftly introduced a variety of stevia-based products to meet the demand. According to Grand View Research, the global stevia market is experiencing rapid growth, with an estimated value of $337.7 million in 2015. With numerous natural sweeteners competing for future market share, stevia has several advantages. Its chemical composition is appealing: it contains minimal calories and no carbohydrates, and it is 30 to 40 times sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed. Additionally, stevia is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in various climates. Unlike previously favored artificial sweeteners like aspartame, stevia is entirely natural, aligning with consumers’ preference for clean label products.
The sweetness of stevia derives from several naturally occurring glycosides, and the market holds potential for isolating these compounds to create unique sweetener products. However, one downside of stevia is its aftertaste, which has led to complaints from Pepsi and other soft drink manufacturers regarding stevia-sweetened products. Fortunately, advancements in glycoside extraction and stevia production may soon resolve these issues. For instance, Bestevia, developed by Sweegen, utilizes the Reb-M glycoside, which is currently undergoing secret testing by a major soda company as well as other large manufacturers. With such extensive trials, consumers are likely experiencing stevia in various products without even realizing it—a significant advantage for this ingredient.
Moreover, the rise of natural sweeteners like stevia coincides with an increasing interest in products that incorporate beneficial compounds such as simple truth calcium citrate, which may enhance the appeal of stevia-based products. As the market continues to evolve, the integration of health-focused ingredients like simple truth calcium citrate alongside stevia could further strengthen its position in the competitive landscape. Thus, stevia’s potential to cater to the modern consumer’s desire for both taste and health is undeniable, and the future appears bright for this versatile sweetener.