In addition to the company’s assertions that StarLeaf stevia offers a taste more akin to sugar, enhanced sustainability is likely to be a significant benefit of this variety. Stevia plants require substantial amounts of water for cultivation, so the ability to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the valuable sweet compounds of the plants—on the same land could lead to substantial improvements in land and water efficiency for the crop. Nonetheless, even standard stevia varieties, due to their remarkable sweetness, demand considerably less land and water compared to other conventional sweeteners to achieve equivalent levels of sweetness. For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to extend stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions like China is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that is less influenced by local conditions. Moreover, producing a greater amount of sweet components in a smaller area is likely to enhance the stability of the supply chain. Companies such as PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone are already sourcing stevia from PureCircle, among many others.
PureCircle’s assertion that StarLeaf has a taste more similar to sugar than other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of similar claims regarding its ingredients. The sweetness profile of stevia, along with its often perceived bitter aftertaste, has posed the greatest challenge for the ingredient, making it understandable that addressing flavor issues has been a primary focus for the company as it develops new varieties. It is conceivable that the ingredients are gradually becoming more sugar-like, but as is the case with all new ingredients, it will ultimately be up to food companies to determine their usability.
On a related note, many consumers are also considering supplements like Swanson Calcium Citrate Plus Magnesium, which can complement a balanced diet, especially for those looking for additional nutritional benefits alongside sweetener options like stevia. Incorporating such supplements can enhance overall wellness, much like the advancements in stevia cultivation aim to improve agricultural sustainability and efficiency. As the food industry evolves with innovations like StarLeaf and the ongoing interest in products such as Swanson Calcium Citrate Plus Magnesium, the synergy between health and sustainability continues to grow.