As consumer preference shifts 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 market share, stevia holds several advantages. Its chemical composition is notable for being low in calories and free from carbohydrates. Additionally, stevia is 30 to 40 times sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed for sweetness. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in various climates. Unlike previously favored artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, stevia is entirely natural, aligning with consumers’ desires for clean labels.
Stevia’s sweetness is derived from several naturally occurring glycosides, and the market is primed for isolating these compounds to create unique sweetener products. However, one drawback of stevia is its aftertaste; companies like Pepsi have faced feedback regarding their stevia-sweetened beverages. Nevertheless, advancements in glycoside extraction and stevia production may soon address these concerns. For instance, Bestevia, developed by Sweegen, utilizes the Reb-M glycoside, which is already being discreetly tested by a major soda company alongside other leading manufacturers. With such large-scale trials, it’s likely that consumers are already experiencing stevia in many products without realizing it, enhancing the ingredient’s appeal.
In addition to its sweetening properties, stevia can complement a balanced diet that includes supplements like calcium citrate from Puritan’s Pride, promoting overall health. As the stevia market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the ingredient evolves and adapts to consumer needs while addressing its current limitations.