Dive Brief:
- PepsiCo's new patent application indicates the company has developed methods to increase steviol glycoside Reb-D's solubility.
- Reb-D is preferable to Reb-A due to its better taste, but has low solubility at room temperature.
- In order to overcome this solubility issue, Reb-D must be combined with more water-soluble sweeteners in a powder form, and it can't be used in a syrup or concentrate form.
Dive Insight:
Stevia is one of the most popular natural sweeteners on the marketplace, with Reb-D in particular being hailed among other steviol glycosides for having one of the highest sweetness profiles and less of a bitter aftertaste, but its low solubility is a challenge beverage makers have been working to overcome. If Pepsi's new patent helps it leap that hurdle, it could better position itself in a marketplace demanding healthier food alternatives.
