Stevia extracts are natural, zero-calorie sweeteners derived from the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). These extracts contain steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds found in the stevia leaves, Like Rebaudioside A(RebA 60, RebA 80, RebA 97 & RebA 99), Stevioside, Rebaudioside D & Rebaudioside M.

Steviol glycosides are 180-400 times sweeter than sugar (depending on the grade & purity) but do not contribute to calories or carbohydrates, making them a popular sugar substitute in foods and beverages. Stevia extracts are often used in diabetic-friendly products and weight management foods.

They are considered safe for most people, including those with diabetes, and are available in various forms, including liquid drops, powder, and granules, for use in cooking, baking, and beverages.

The different grades of Stevia Extracts: A comparison

• RebA 60:

• 60 % purity
  • Rebaudioside A molecule, rest 15% made up by other glycosides, mainly Stevioside
  • 180-200 times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 5400/kg by Arboreal

• RebA 80:
  • 80% purity Rebaudioside A molecule, rest 15% made up by other glycosides, mainly Stevioside
  • 210-220 times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 6500/kg by Arboreal

• RebA 97:
  • 97% purity Rebaudioside A molecule
  • 260 times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 8220/kg by Arboreal

• RebA99:
  • 99% purity Rebaudioside A molecule
  • 280 times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 9000/kg by Arboreal

• RebD:
  • 95% purity Rebaudioside D molecule
  • 360-370  times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 13000/kg by Arboreal

• RebM:
  • 95% purity Rebaudioside D molecule
  • 390-400  times sweeter than sugar
  • Priced at Rs 25781/kg by Arboreal

The differences in prices of the different Stevia extract grades is due to increased complexity of extraction and production processes with the increase in purity, availability and complexity of the grades.

Flavor Profile Comparison of Stevia Grades

Each grade of steviol glycosides has its own unique taste profile, contributing to the overall flavor perception when used as sweeteners. Here’s a brief overview of their taste profiles:

• Rebaudioside A (RebA):
  • RebA 60, 80, 97, and 99 are different levels of purity of Rebaudioside A, with RebA 99 being the highest purity.
  • Rebaudioside A typically provides a clean, sweet taste with minimal bitterness and aftertaste, especially at higher purities like RebA 97 and RebA 99.
  • RebA 60 and RebA 80 may have slightly more noticeable bitterness or licorice-like undertones compared to higher purity grades.
• Stevioside:
  • Stevioside offers a sweet taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste, especially at higher concentrations.
  • Compared to Rebaudioside A, Stevioside may have a more pronounced bitter note.
• Rebaudioside D:
  • Rebaudioside D has a clean, sweet taste profile similar to Rebaudioside A, with minimal bitterness and aftertaste.
  • It is often used as a sweetening agent in combination with other steviol glycosides to enhance sweetness and reduce bitterness.
• Rebaudioside M:
  • Rebaudioside M is known for its clean, sugar-like taste with minimal bitterness and aftertaste.
  • It is considered to have a taste profile closer to sucrose (table sugar) compared to other steviol glycosides.

Overall, the taste profiles of these Steviol glycosides can vary depending on factors such as concentration, purity, and individual taste sensitivity. When formulating products  using stevia extracts as sweeteners, it’s essential to consider these taste characteristics to achieve the desired flavor profile.

In conclusion, Pure Stevia Extracts from the stevia leaf have diverse applications, flavor profiles, functionalities and price points. Chosing the perfect blend of these extracts for your specific application is the key to unlocking the full potential of Stevia extracts.

Need help with identifying the best stevia blend for your applications? Get in touch with us at Easybuy Ingredients to formulate the perfect stevia based solution for your products.

Visit us here to explore our range of stevia based and other alternative sweetener products.

Click here to read the GRAS (Generally regarded as safe) notification of Stevia extracts.