PureCircle has unveiled a new stevia ingredient specific for beverage formulations, called Sigma-Beverage.

The company claims that Sigma-Beverage does not compromise the taste of the beverage compared to other stevia ingredients on the market.

The new ingredient is similar to sugar at deep calorie reductions, and allows a 30%-50% development time reduction.

"Sigma-Beverage was formulated with a carefully tailored, proprietary combination of steviol glycosides."

PureCircle marketing and innovation vice-president Faith Son said: "Sigma-Beverage was formulated with a carefully tailored, proprietary combination of steviol glycosides designed to address the unique needs for beverage formulations.

"We have seen success with this approach for our customers and are excited to help them further unlock the beverage category and reduce overall calories while meeting the taste desires consumers demand."

Sigma-Beverage is said to offer a reduction in linger during the formulation of low-to-zero calorie solutions.

PureCircle global technical innovation senior director John Martin said: "Beverages have provided a challenge for formulators because of the high sweetness max. To achieve that high level of sweetness with stevia can often result in linger and a strong, sweetness aftertaste.

"However, by selecting the steviol glycosides that provide a very clean, sugar-like taste with a reduced linger, we have been able formulate a stevia ingredient that really works well for the challenges of beverage applications. We are extremely pleased with the results we are seeing."

Sigma-Beverage joins PureCircle's existing category specific ingredients, Sigma-Tea and Sigma-Dairy. Customers can now order Sigma-Beverage samples.

PureCircle was founded in 2002 and provides stevia ingredients to the global food and beverage industry.

Image: PureCircle's Sigma-Beverage stevia ingredient is the perfect solution for sweet beverages. Photo: Courtesy of PRNewsFoto/PureCircle.