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Wade Schmelzer Principal Food Scientist Cargill Health & Nutrition
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Truvia® stevia leaf extract, Cargill's natural zero-calorie sweetener, is a revolutionary way to achieve sweetness in beverages without all the calories. Now, a new product grade, Truvia stevia RA80, is creating opportunities for manufacturers to save on ingredient costs while formulating great tasting reduced calorie beverages.
Truvia stevia RA80 contains 80% rebaudioside A (the best-tasting part of the stevia plant's leaves). It has performed extremely well for formulators looking to reduce sugar in beverage applications such as juice drinks, sweetened teas, carbonated beverages, dairy-based beverages and alcoholic drinks. Up to 30% sugar reduction can be achieved, depending on the beverage, while maintaining great taste and flavor relative to traditional full-sugar beverages.
We’re all aware that there is increasing consumer demand to reduce sugar and calories in foods and beverages, but as formulators, we also have to consider the rising market prices for traditional, nutritive sweeteners, high-intensity sweeteners and other ingredients while working to create reduced sugar products. Sugar reduction using Truvia stevia RA80 provides a unique opportunity for manufacturers to naturally reduce sugar in products while potentially offering ingredient cost savings up to 20%.*