High concentrations of stevioside may have a slightly bitter or off-flavor, which some consumers may find difficult to tolerate. Overall, however, stevioside holds broad application prospects in the food and beverage industry. Despite the high price and perceived bitterness of stevioside, market demand is growing due to the trend toward healthier eating.
The global regulatory landscape for steviosides exhibits a "ladder" approach. In the EU, the approved upper limit for stevioside use is set at 4 mg/kg. In my country, according to the "Standard for the Use of Food Additives (GB 2760-2024)", the maximum permitted amount is 10 g/kg, a standard particularly applicable to tea products.
Globally, stevioside is widely licensed, with China, the United States, the EU, and Japan all being fully licensed. However, some countries have restrictions on its use. For example, India only allows its use in carbonated beverages, while Brazil prohibits its use in infant food. Furthermore, Singapore and Norway have not yet approved its use due to the precautionary principle.
While stevioside is considered safer than artificial sweeteners, its taste cannot be ignored. Some consumers express discomfort with the bitter and vegetal aftertaste of stevioside, which has, to some extent, hindered its widespread acceptance. According to a 2023 Nielsen survey, 42% of consumers expressed concern about the bitter aftertaste, while 29% questioned its "over-processing" nature. However, it is noteworthy that 78% of respondents recognized stevioside's "natural origin" label, and 65% expressed interest in its sugar-control benefits.
With increasing health awareness, especially amidst the growing concern about health issues such as diabetes and obesity, low-sugar or sugar-free foods are becoming increasingly popular. Therefore, market demand for stevioside, a natural sugar substitute, is also growing.
