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 substantial water for growth, so the ability to yield 20 times the steviol glycosides—the sweet components of the plant—on the same land area could greatly affect the crop’s land and water usage. Nevertheless, even typical stevia varieties, due to their intense sweetness, demand considerably less land and water than other conventional sweeteners to achieve equivalent sweetness levels. For manufacturers, PureCircle’s initiative to extend stevia cultivation beyond traditional regions such as China is promising, as it ensures a consistent supply of sweeteners that are less affected by regional conditions. This capacity to produce a higher quantity of sweet components in a reduced area is also expected to enhance supply chain stability.
Major corporations like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, and Danone, among many others, have already begun sourcing stevia from PureCircle. The company’s claim that StarLeaf possesses a taste closer to sugar than other stevia extracts is the latest in a series of similar claims regarding its ingredients. With stevia’s sweetness profile and its often perceived bitter aftertaste being the primary challenges, addressing flavor concerns has understandably been a key focus for the company as it develops new varieties. While it is reasonable to believe that these ingredients are becoming more similar to sugar over time, the ultimate decision on their use will rest with food companies.
Additionally, as businesses explore various sweeteners, some may consider incorporating citrate calcium supplements into their formulations, potentially enhancing the nutritional profile of products that utilize stevia. The integration of citrate calcium supplements could further diversify the offerings available to consumers, aligning with health trends and preferences.