SweeGen gains approval for its key stevia-based confectionery ingredient
US-based sugar reduction solutions company SweeGen has confirmed that Food Standards Australia, New Zealand (FSANZ) has assessed and approved its Bestevia Reb E stevia sweetener as a food additive for use in markets including for gummies and chocolate.
As the business explained to Confectionery Production, under the Food Standards Code, the organisation has approved a new specification for the steviol glycoside Rebaudioside E, produced by the firm’s proprietary stevia leaf-based bioconversion process. It builds upon previous approvals for other products within its portfolio.
“The approval comes at a great time because brands want access to the best tasting non-GMO zero-calorie stevia sweeteners available to satisfy consumers without compromising taste. The region now joins North America in regulatory status, where SweeGen’s Rebs D, E and M are highly sought-after scalable stevia sweeteners. The sensory performance and taste are dynamic, and classified in the industry as ‘next generation’ stevia sweeteners,” said Lewis Tessarolo, senior director of business development, Asia-Pacific.
With this new approval, food and beverage manufacturers in the region now have greater access to SweeGen’s Bestevia e+ Taste Solutions portfolio. This exclusive taste and sweetener platform offers sugar reduction solutions for applications across the spectrum, including confectionery, bakery and dairy. Bestevia e+ Taste Solutions deliver one of the industry’s most cost-efficient, great tasting, and complete solutions for reducing sugar.
“Achieving FSANZ approval for Rebaudioside E shows our clear commitment to delivering a wide range of sweetness and taste solutions for customers in the region,” said Tessarolo. “With the growing health awareness among consumers, coupled with government health initiatives to curb obesity and diabetes, SweeGen can help brands obtain the sugar reduction they need.”
SweeGen continues to focus on application technology, taste modulation expertise and regional consumer trends in order to meet the high demand for unique sugar reduction solutions in the nature-based sweetener space.
Growing demand for natural and low-calorie based sweeteners is expected to drive the growth of the stevia market.
Stevia is naturally extracted from the leaves of the plant. It leaves have up to 250 times the sweetness of sugar. Waiting for new stevia update.