SweeGen expands stevia leaf sweetners line with Bestevia Reb D

Nature-based sweetener provider SweeGen has expanded its line of stevia leaf sweeteners following the commercialisation of Bestevia Reb D as a sugar reduction option in foods and beverages.

Bestevia Reb D offers flexibility for formulators that intend to match the time-intensity response curve of sucrose.

In February, SweeGen commercialised Bestevia Reb M, its first FDA GRAS-approved stevia leaf sweetener.

According to SweeGen, Bestevia Reb M has been well received by major food and beverage companies in the US, Europe and Asia.

The Bestevia Reb D GRAS self-affirmation was completed in June and was immediately submitted to the FDA for review.

Rebaudioside D (Reb D) and Rebaudioside M (Reb M) are steviol glycosides found in the stevia leaf.

Bestevia Reb M and Bestevia Reb D serve as alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

SweeGen CEO Steven Chen said: "Our growing sweetener platform offers our industry partners an expanding choice to replace caloric and artificial sweeteners in consumer products. SweeGen's sweetener portfolio offers great-tasting, noncaloric and nature-based alternatives for the global consumer."

"The introduction of Bestevia Reb D represents yet another strong achievement for SweeGen in the natural sweetener market."

Ingredion is SweeGen's distribution partner for both Reb M and Reb D, excluding the People's Republic of China.

Ingredion sweetness innovation senior global director Oscar Gutierrez said: "We can now offer an additional option for sugar reduction without compromising taste."