The Rising Popularity Of Stevia Natural Sweetener In Drinks
The world of beverages is experiencing a sweet revolution, and at the heart of it is a natural sweetener called Stevia. This plant-derived sweetener has been making waves in the beverage industry, offering a healthier alternative to traditional sugar and artificial sweeteners. But how prevalent is Stevia in the drinks market, and what does its future look like? Let’s dive in.
Natural Stevia Sweetener Market
The Stevia market has been experiencing steady growth over the past few years. Based on a report published by Grand View Research, the global Stevia market was assessed to have a value of USD 637.1 million in 2020. It is expected to grow with a CAGR of 8.4% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the low-calorie sweetener market can be attributed primarily to the escalating demand for such sweeteners, which can be attributed to the global increase in obesity and diabetes rates.
The beverage industry, in particular, has significantly contributed to this growth. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier alternatives to sugar-sweetened drinks, and Stevia, with its zero-calorie sweetness, is a perfect fit. From soft drinks to energy drinks and even alcoholic beverages, Stevia is becoming a popular choice for brands looking to reduce sugar content without compromising taste.
Detailed Examples Of Stevia Sweetened Drinks
There are numerous examples of drinks that have embraced Stevia as a sweetener. Here are a couple of notable ones:
- Coca-Cola Life
It is a unique variant of the iconic Coca-Cola, designed to cater to health-conscious consumers. The product is a fusion of the classic flavor of Coca-Cola with a mixture of sugar cane and Stevia leaf extract, yielding a beverage that possesses a 35% reduction in calorie content compared to prominent cola brands. Coca-Cola Life is available in various packaging sizes, including 12-ounce cans and 20-ounce bottles, and is easily identifiable by its distinctive green label.
- Pepsi True
PepsiCo’s answer to the demand for lower-calorie sodas, Pepsi True, also uses a blend of sugar and Stevia. It offers the classic Pepsi taste but with 30% less sugar than regular Pepsi. Pepsi True is available in 10-ounce cans and is sold in packs of 24.
- Honest Tea
This brand, owned by The Coca-Cola Company, offers a range of organic, low-sugar teas sweetened with Stevia. The range includes flavors like “Half Tea & Half Lemonade,” “Peach Tea,” and “Green Tea.” Each bottle contains just 70 calories, making it a healthier choice for tea lovers. Honest Tea products are available in 16.9-ounce glass bottles.
- Zevia
Zevia is a brand dedicated to creating zero-calorie, Stevia-sweetened beverages. Their product line includes sodas, energy drinks, and mixers. The sodas come in various flavors, including Cola, Ginger Root Beer, and Black Cherry. The energy drinks offer flavors like Raspberry Lime and Mango Ginger, each providing 120mg of caffeine per can. The mixers include options like Tonic Water and Ginger Beer. Zevia’s products are available in 12-ounce cans, individually, or in six or twelve-packs.
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Why Do Brands Opt For Natural Sweeteners In Drinks?
Several factors drive the shift towards natural sweeteners like Stevia. Firstly, there’s an increasing consumer awareness about the health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption, such as obesity and diabetes. It has led to a demand for lower-sugar or sugar-free alternatives.
Secondly, there’s a growing trend towards natural and organic products. Consumers are becoming more conscious of what they put into their bodies and seeking products with clean labels and natural ingredients. Stevia, being a plant-derived sweetener, fits this bill perfectly.
Lastly, regulatory pressures are also playing a role. Many countries have introduced sugar taxes to combat obesity, making it more expensive for brands to use sugar in their products. Natural sweeteners like Stevia offer a way for brands to reduce their sugar content and avoid these taxes.
Forms of Stevia Natural Sweetener
Stevia comes in several forms, each with its advantages. The most common conditions are:
Liquid stevia sweetener
It is a concentrated liquid form of Stevia, often used in beverages, cooking, and baking. It’s easy to blend and dissolves well in liquids.
Pure stevia extract powder
It is a granulated form of Stevia, which can be used similarly to sugar. It’s often used in baking and cooking and to sweeten beverages.
Stevia leaves
These are the dried leaves of the Stevia plant, which can be used to sweeten teas and other hot beverages.
The Future Of Natural Sweeteners
The trend towards natural sweeteners is undeniable, and they will likely continue to gain ground on artificial sweeteners. Consumers are increasingly pushing to prioritize their health and actively seek natural alternatives. Furthermore, research continues to uncover potential health risks associated with artificial sweeteners, which could further drive the shift towards natural options like Stevia.
However, it’s important to note that each sweetener has its taste profile and functional properties, and not all are suitable for every application. Therefore, while natural sweeteners will likely become more prevalent, it’s unlikely that they will completely replace artificial sweeteners in the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
The utilization of Stevia as a naturally derived sweetening agent in beverages is experiencing a notable surge in popularity, primarily propelled by the escalating consumer inclination towards healthier options with reduced sugar content. With its zero-calorie sweetness and biological origins, Stevia is well-positioned to continue its growth in the beverage industry.
However, while the future looks bright for Stevia and other natural sweeteners, likely, they will completely replace artificial sweeteners sometime soon. Each sweetener has its unique properties and applications, and a diverse range of sweeteners will likely continue to be used to meet the varied needs of consumers.
In conclusion, the sweet revolution in the beverage industry is just beginning, and Stevia is leading the charge. The increasing demand for healthier and more natural alternatives among consumers is expected to drive a significant rise in the popularity of Stevia and other natural sweeteners.
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