The Oregon-based company claims that the syrup is all-natural, GMO-free and has an identical mouthfeel and flavor profile to HFCS; it is designed to replace HFCS 55 (approximately 55% fructose, 42% glucose, small amounts of other carbohydrates, the principal blend used in beverages).
Thom King, Steviva Brands president, said that beverage producers faced the challenge of cutting calories while delivering traditional soft drink flavor and mouthfeel.
“Flavor matching, including replicating the sweetness temporal profile of HFCS, is critical for consumers to switch from regular sodas to diet drinks,” King said.
“Because this syrup is optimized to provide sweetness and body, it is a no-added sugar ‘magic bullet’ for sweetening beverages,” he added.
Mouthfeel match with HFCS
Steviva Brands said its new sweetener is a proprietary combination of extracts, natural flavors and thickeners, which gave a mouthfeel identical to HFCS and a sweet flavor profile with no aftertaste.
“Stevia is shelf stable and pH stable, making this blend ideally suited for acidic product like soft drinks. Its flavor pairs especially well with colas, though it’s natural enough to work with other profiles as well,” King said.
While HFCS had four calories and zero fiber per gram, the firm said its product supplied 30 calories and six grams of fiber per 100g.
The ingredient is made using a proprietary water extraction process, Steviva said, which meant there were no residual solvents or petrochemicals.
Steviva Brands describes itself as one of the world’s leading manufacturers and distributors of stevia-based sweeteners and other bulk ingredient sweeteners.
More to follow…