The Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South Africa, is known to contain within its leaves, over 40 different natural compounds called ‘Steviol Glycosides’, each with varying sweetening properties. A stevia company extracts and refines these glycosides to produce a zero-calorie substitute for ordinary table sugar. In spite of being 200-300 times sweeter than cane sugar, stevia extracts do not induce an insulin response in our bodies. Adding stevia to your diet also reduces the risk of obesity and cardiovascular diseases caused due to excessive sugar intake. A stevia manufacturer banks on these specialties to market it to prospects. The health benefits of stevia are thus established, but what possible benefit can stevia have to food and beverage companies to make them include it in their recipes? Let's find out.
● Caters To Diabetic Consumers
The lower the glycemic index and load of a food or beverage, the safer it is for consumption by someone with diabetes. Stevia, with its close to zero-calorie count and glycemic index, is the perfect solution for Type 2 Diabetics who face a tough time compromising the sweetness in their diet. Additionally, stevia has also been found to trigger a glucagon response in the above category of people, reducing their blood sugar levels.
Consequently, food and beverage companies around the world have used stevia in their recipes to launch a range of sugar-free foods and beverages, specially designed for people with diabetes. For instance, a stevia company, produces sugar-free jams, squashes, and flavored drinks, in addition to also selling dried stevia leaves, powdered stevia extracts, and tablets.
● Fits Right in The Diet-Conscious Market
Stevia’s almost negligible calorie and carb count also makes it a popular choice among the diet-conscious population of today. Though it does not directly aid in weight loss, it does help in reducing the amount of calories consumed without sacrificing the sweet taste in the recipes.
Among big names in the FMCG market, PepsiCo also uses stevia in its products. Coca-Cola uses the same in producing Coca-Cola Life and other recipes of diet coke, all of which are targeted at health-conscious consumers.
Stevia extracts are also increasingly being used in making low-calorie desserts. Another segment of the market that the stevia companies cater to is bakery and dairy. Other brands also manufacture a variety of cakes and cookies with stevia and also sell baking premixes made with stevia.
● Sugar-Free Snacking Options for Children
Children are designed to have a sweet tooth and all efforts in explaining the hazards of excessive sugar intake to them go in vain. Stevia, being a natural sugar substitute, is a more fitting alternative to sugar for consumption by kids and can be used in recipes for chocolates, flavored milk, yogurt, etc.
Thus, using stevia instead of sugar can be helpful in broadening the base of many food and beverage companies and it can be safely said that stevia has come to stay in the FMCG sector. Amongst the array of stevia manufacturer in the market, it is important to choose the right brand that will correctly cater to your needs.
ARBOREAL is an award-winning biotechnology company providing organic stevia solutions at affordable prices. They use high-quality stevia extracts like Reb A, Reb D, and Reb M, in varying combinations to produce sugar-free sweetening solutions. For expert help in introducing stevia to your recipes, get in touch with expert food technologists at Arboreal Stevia.
