Tate & Lyle, a leading global provider of food ingredients and solutions, released key findings from consumer taste-test research conducted by Ipsos in May 2014. 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 meets consumer demand for low-calorie and low-sugar products and achieves 50% or more sugar-reduction levels. Easy to formulate with, TASTEVA is ideal for a wide range of applications including beverage, dairy, baked goods, dressings, sauces, frozen foods, processed fruits, processed vegetables, snacks and cereals.
Food and beverage industry leaders can experience the great taste of TASTEVA Stevia Sweetener in a Blood-Orange Sangria Mocktail formulation this weekend at the 2014 Institute of Food Technologists Food Expo in New Orleans, La. (booth #3941).
