What Makes Stevia Reb M Unique?
Stevia leaves contain several compounds called steviol glycosides, each contributing to its sweetness. Of these, Rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Rebaudioside M (Reb M) are the most prominent. While Reb A has traditionally been used in many products, its bitter aftertaste and sharp profile often detract from the overall experience.
Reb M, on the other hand, is a game-changer. It offers a clean, sugar-like sweetness without the bitterness associated with Reb A. This makes Reb M the most sought-after steviol glycoside for creating soft drinks that deliver both health benefits and exceptional taste.
Advanced Extraction and Bioconversion.
Transforming Stevia from plant to product is a complex process, requiring precision and innovation to achieve the highest quality results. Traditional methods of extracting Reb M directly from Stevia leaves have faced limitations due to the compound’s low natural concentration. This not only restricted production but also made it an unsustainable option for large-scale use.
To overcome these challenges, advancements in bioconversion technology have revolutionised the way Reb M is produced. By using enzymes to convert other steviol glycosides (like Reb A) into Reb M, this method allows for:
Efficient use of resources:
By maximising the yield of Reb M from every Stevia leaf, bioconversion reduces the strain on plant resources and ensures sustainable production.
Lower energy consumption:
Advanced enzymatic processes require significantly less energy compared to traditional methods, aligning with sustainability goals.
Minimal environmental impact:
With reduced waste and pollution, this technology supports cleaner, greener production practices.
Once Reb M is extracted or created through bioconversion, it undergoes a meticulous purification and separation process to ensure its quality. Advanced techniques such as membrane separation and chromatography isolate Reb M in its purest form, eliminating impurities and ensuring a consistent sweetness profile. This process guarantees that every batch of Stevia Reb M meets the highest standards of taste, quality, and safety.
The sustainability advantage.
Stevia is not only better for your health but also for the planet. Its extraordinary sweetness means significantly smaller quantities are needed to achieve the same level of sweetness as sugar, resulting in a far smaller environmental footprint.
Reduced land use:
Stevia’s intensity allows us to replace large volumes of sugar with minimal amounts of Steviol glycosides. This reduces the need for extensive agricultural land used for sugarcane and beet farming, preserving natural ecosystems and reducing deforestation.
Lower water consumption:
Stevia requires considerably less water to cultivate compared to traditional sugar crops. This water efficiency makes it a sustainable choice, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.
Decreased greenhouse gas emissions:
Life Cycle Assessments reveal that stevia-based sweeteners produce as little as 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions compared to sugar, making it a key contributor to climate-conscious food and soft drink production.
Energy-efficient production:
Bioconversion and fermentation technologies used in Stevia production reduce energy consumption and minimise pollution, making it an environmentally friendly choice for manufacturers.