Stevia paves way for “clean-tasting” sweetness and optimized flavor, flags Ingredion

26 Jul 2023 --- Offering up to 100% sugar reduction, Ingredion has launched PureCircle Clean Taste Solutions – a range of stevia sweeteners that can sweeten beverages, dairy, tea, coffee, sports nutrition, bakery, confectionery, savory sauces and dressings.

Moreover, the company says the product offers better performance and cost by deploying more of the stevia plant. 

“Stevia was once perceived to have a bitter taste and an undesirable aftertaste compared to sugar and other sweeteners,” states Helen Hook, sugar reduction and specialty sweeteners platform lead EMEA at Ingredion. “Today, the next-generation varieties of stevia are more sugar-like than ever, and in turn are changing the old perception, with stevia growing in popularity.”

PureCircle is a leading producer and innovator of stevia ingredients and claims to be the only supplier to offer all of the significant stevia production technologies.

“Some stevia products may still offer that bitter taste or aftertaste, but ingredient suppliers like PureCircle by Ingredion have a greater understanding of how to deliver great-tasting stevia. This understanding of the stevia leaf is driven by new scientific research around the ingredient,” she adds. 

A “one-size-fits-all” approach does not work while removing sugar and artificial sweeteners in product formulation.Consumer awareness 
The impact of sugar on our bodies is well-known to the aware consumer of today. In a recent conversation with Food Ingredients First, Adams Berzins, senior manager of innovation at Ingredion, highlighted consumers’ proclivity toward making better food choices. They look for ways to reduce their overall sugar consumption. 

“Recent surveys show that around one in two consumers prefer stevia because it’s a ‘good alternative to sugar,’ Hook states.

Research drives next-generation varieties
A “one-size-fits-all” approach does not work while removing sugar and artificial sweeteners in product formulation, feels Nate Yates, global platform lead for sugar reduction at Ingredion. 

“PureCircle Clean Taste Solutions are designed to streamline product formulation by delivering unique sweetness profiles required by food and beverage brands,” he continues.

Hook sheds light on Ingredion’s efforts in finding combinations that give optimum solutions for different F&B products, “PureCircle has learned that there are 70 different molecules in the  stevia leaf which can contribute to sweetness. The ability to grow and scale these ingredients has resulted in breakthrough taste performance in multiple foods and beverages.”

Reb M - Sweetness without compromise
Reb M (rebaudioside M) is a naturally occurring molecule in the stevia leaf. It is a non-caloric potential sweetener that can impart sweetness to food and beverage products as it closely matches sugar’s taste profile.

“Reb M is the best-tasting glycoside on the market,” remarks Yates. However, he states that no universal stevia solution exists across food and beverage categories.

Ingredion’s stevia solutions claim to harness more synergies between molecules in the stevia leaf, including Reb M, to achieve up to 100% sugar reduction in specific applications.

Improving the environmental impact
Food companies are increasingly trying to produce products that align with their sustainability goals.

Ingredion’s bioconversion and fermentation capabilities claim to allow the industry to achieve the “same great taste” at an even more affordable price while dramatically “improving” the environmental impacts.New production methods have “scaled” Reb M, making it more readily available to food and beverage companies.

Citing an example, Hook says, “Fermented Sugarcane Reb M production reduces negative climate change impact by 82% compared to sugar, while bioconversion shows a 50% reduction.”

“Recent findings from our 2022 Sweeteners Life Cycle Assessment show fermentation and bioconversion technologies have significantly improved the sustainability of Reb M.”

Advancements for taste improvement
In recent years, significant advancements have been made in stevia sweeteners to improve taste performance, sustainability and availability of rare stevia molecules. 

New production methods have “scaled” Reb M, making it more readily available to food and beverage companies of all sizes. 

“These innovations allow brands to capitalize on the latest consumer-driven nutrition, health and wellness trends, offering sugar reduction options which support wellness and sustainable lifestyle choices,” Hook signs off.

By Insha Naureen