Stevia: 10 questions you may want to know
Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Known for its intense sweetness, it’s commonly used as a sugar substitute in food and beverages. Stevia is popular for its health benefits, including blood sugar management, weight control, and being tooth-friendly.
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Who are the main suppliers of Stevia in China?
The main suppliers of stevia in China are Zhucheng Haotian Pharm Co., Ltd., Jining Aoxing Stevia Products Co., Ltd, Qufu Sheng Ren Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Qufu Xiangzhou Stevia Products Co., Ltd, Qufu Haigen Stevia Products Co., Ltd, Ganzhou Julong High-tech Industrial Co., Ltd, Nanantong Huakang Steviasinum Co., Ltd. and Shandong Huaxian Stevia Co., Ltd.
What are the sources of Stevia?
Stevia is primarily sourced from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The leaves contain natural sweet compounds called steviol glycosides, which are extracted and purified for use as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in food and beverages. Stevia is widely cultivated in Paraguay, Brazil, and China.
What are the quality standards and certification requirements for Stevia?
Stevia must meet quality standards such as the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) for purity and safety. Certification requirements may include GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA, organic certification, Non-GMO Project verification, Kosher, and Halal certifications. Compliance with these standards ensures stevia is safe and high-quality for consumer use.
What are the applications of Stevia?
Stevia is used as a natural, zero-calorie sweetener in various food and beverage products, including soft drinks, teas, desserts, and baked goods. It's also found in dietary supplements, sugar substitutes, and some pharmaceutical products. Stevia is favored for its sweetness without impacting blood sugar levels.
What are the differences between Stevia and other sweeteners?
Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from plant leaves, unlike artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose. It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it ideal for diabetics, and is free from the chemical aftertaste often associated with artificial sweeteners. Stevia also has a higher sweetness intensity than sugar.
What are the health benefits of Stevia?
Stevia offers several health benefits, including being a zero-calorie sweetener that helps manage blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics. It supports weight management by reducing calorie intake and does not contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, stevia has antioxidant properties, promoting overall health.
What are the storage requirements for Stevia?
Stevia should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve its sweetness and potency. It should be kept in an airtight container to prevent exposure to air and humidity, which can cause clumping or degradation of the product over time.
What is the environmental impact of Stevia?
Stevia cultivation has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other sweeteners, requiring less land, water, and pesticides. It offers a sustainable alternative due to its high sweetness per plant. However, large-scale farming can still lead to soil depletion and habitat disruption if not managed responsibly.
What are the market trends for Stevia?
Market trends for stevia show growing demand due to increasing consumer preference for natural, low-calorie sweeteners. The rise in health-conscious eating and the global push to reduce sugar intake drive its popularity in food and beverages. Innovations in stevia formulations are also expanding its applications across various industries.
What are the packaging specifications and forms of Stevia?
Stevia is typically available in various packaging forms and specifications, including bulk bags, small retail packets, sachets, and liquid bottles. Bulk bags may come in sizes ranging from 25 kg to 1 ton for industrial use, while retail packets can range from 1 gram sachets to 1 kg pouches for consumer use. Liquid stevia is often sold in dropper bottles.
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