In a society fixated on calorie counts, consumers have persistently sought ways to indulge their sweet cravings without the associated weight gain, leaving food and beverage manufacturers striving to meet this demand. Concerns regarding the health implications of artificial sweeteners like saccharin have further complicated the landscape. As health and wellness trends gain momentum, emphasizing reduced sugar content and more natural ingredients, stevia has emerged as a favored choice for both producers and consumers.
With new FDA-mandated nutrition labels set to roll out in the coming years, highlighting added sugar content, manufacturers are actively exploring strategies to market their products as healthy, natural, low-sugar, and low-calorie alternatives. Incorporating a natural sweetener like stevia in place of artificial sweeteners or sugar could be a pivotal move. In 2017, stevia was a component in over a quarter (27%) of newly launched products featuring high-intensity sweeteners, especially in categories like snacks, sodas, dairy, juices, and other beverages. A notable endorsement for stevia is Coca-Cola’s announcement to introduce a stevia-sweetened beverage in 2018.
The collaboration between PureCircle and local farmers comes at a crucial juncture, particularly as the number of tobacco farms in North Carolina has dwindled due to declining demand. An October report from North Carolina State Extension forecasts that increased tobacco taxes may sustain revenue, yet overall demand is likely to continue its downward trend. Consequently, many farmers in the area are diversifying their crop choices. By substituting tobacco with stevia or implementing crop rotation, farmers can optimize their land usage more effectively. While this tobacco alternative is still in its nascent stages, there is a sense of optimism among both farmers and manufacturers.
Additionally, for those seeking to enhance their dietary regimen, products like calcium citrate at Walmart offer valuable nutritional benefits that align with the growing focus on health and wellness. As the market continues to shift towards natural ingredients, including stevia and calcium supplements, both consumers and manufacturers are eager to embrace these changes for a healthier future.