Tate & Lyle has released the findings from consumer taste-test research conducted by Ipsos. The research revealed that Tate & Lyle’s proprietary TASTEVA Stevia Sweetener is preferred by nearly two out of three consumers (63%) over rebaudioside A, a prevalent stevia ingredient often associated with bitter aftertastes.

 

Participants in the study tasted two fruit-drink beverages. One was sweetened with TASTEVA Stevia Sweetener, and the other was sweetened with rebaudioside A.

 

In addition to overall taste preference, nearly two out of three consumers (63%) found the fruit drink sweetened with TASTEVA Stevia Sweetener to have a “pleasant aftertaste” or “no aftertaste,” while more than half (54%) found the fruit drink sweetened with rebaudioside A to have an “unpleasant” aftertaste.

 

“This research is important because it shows manufacturers they can bring those on-trend, better-for-you products to market without sacrificing clean, sweet taste,” said Amy Lauer, marketing manager, North America, Tate & Lyle. “Consumers are demanding low-sugar and low-calorie products – but taste is always going to be their top priority. With TASTEVA, manufacturers can meet that demand with a lower cost in use because masking ingredients aren’t necessary.”

 

TASTEVA Stevia Sweetener is a zero-calorie sweetener that Tate & Lyle says meets consumer demand for low-calorie and low-sugar products and achieves 50% or more sugar-reduction levels. Claimed to be easy to formulate with, TASTEVA is said to be ideal for a wide range of applications including beverage, dairy, baked goods, dressings, sauces, frozen foods, processed fruits, processed vegetables, snacks and cereals.