Stevia 101
Stevia is a fantastic replacement for sugar, offering a plant-based, calorie-free sweetness that tastes great. Whether you're new to stevia or looking to deepen your understanding, this sweet insight will provide you with all the essential information you need.
Written by
Caitlin Shea
Global Marketing Manager, Sweeteners
Tate & Lyle PLC
What is stevia?
Stevia is a plant-based sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. Known for its intense sweetness, stevia is often used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products.
What are the benefits of using stevia?
Stevia offers several benefits that align with current consumer trends and preferences, making it an ideal ingredient for brands looking to meet market demands:
- Zero calories and sugar: Stevia offers a zero-calorie, zero-sugar sweetening solution, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives for weight management and reduced sugar intake.
- Doesn’t raise blood glucose levels: Stevia's minimal impact on blood sugar makes it ideal for diabetic-friendly and low-glycemic products, appealing to those concerned about diabetes and insulin resistance.
- Plant-based: Derived from the stevia leaf, stevia appeals to consumers who prefer plant-based ingredients over artificial additives.
- Versatility: Stevia's ability to be used in a variety of applications, from beverages to baked goods, allows brands to innovate and expand their product lines to meet diverse consumer needs without compromising taste.
How does stevia compare to sugar?
Stevia is 200 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, meaning you need much less to achieve the same level of sweetness. Unlike sugar, stevia contains zero calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake.
Do all stevia sweeteners taste the same?
Not all stevia tastes the same, and the differences in taste are primarily due to the specific steviol glycosides present in the product. The two most commonly discussed glycosides are Rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Rebaudioside M (Reb M), each offering distinct taste profiles:
- Rebaudioside A (Reb A): Commonly used for its high sweetness, Reb A can have a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, especially at higher concentrations.
- Rebaudioside M (Reb M): Known for its cleaner, sugar-like taste with minimal aftertaste, Reb M is often produced through bioconversion due to its scarcity in the natural leaf.
How is stevia made?
There are three main technologies used to produce stevia sweeteners:
- Leaf-Extraction: This traditional method involves harvesting, drying, and steeping stevia leaves in water to extract and purify steviol glycosides.
- Bioconversion: This method uses enzymes to convert less desirable stevia extracts, like Reb A, into more desirable ones, like Reb M, for a better taste profile. Yume™ M Stevia Sweetener is made using bioconversion for a premium taste.
- Fermentation: This method uses microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria to produce steviol glycosides. The process replicates the natural production of these sweet compounds without using the stevia leaf.
What’s different about the Yume™ M Stevia production process vs. other bioconverted stevia?
The Yume™ M Stevia production process distinguishes itself from other bioconverted stevia products through its unique aqueous-only extraction method. This approach uses water-based extraction techniques, avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals or solvents. As a result, the process is more environmentally friendly and aligns with consumer preferences for clean-label products.
Learn more about our unique production process
Where are stevia leaves grown?
Stevia leaves are grown in various regions around the world, with a majority being cultivated in China. However, Yume™ M Stevia takes a different approach by sourcing its stevia leaves primarily from Peru. This choice not only supports local agriculture in Peru but also ensures the entire supply chain for Yume™ M Stevia remains within the Americas.
Learn more about where Yume™ M Stevia leaves come from
Why choose Yume™ M Stevia?
Yume™ M Stevia offers a premium, sugar-like taste with an aqueous-only extraction process and a smart, all-Americas supply chain. Our innovative bioconversion process ensures the highest quality and taste, making it the perfect choice for those seeking a superior taste experience.
Click here to speak to a stevia expert and learn more