SweeGen targets “next level” better-for-you beverages with Reb N stevia extract

13 Jan 2021 --- Expanding its toolbox of stevia-based rebaudiosides, SweeGen is commercializing Bestevia Rebaudioside N (Reb N). The zero-calorie natural stevia molecule is produced through a patented bioconversion technology from the biotech company Conagen.

The sensory profile of Bestevia Reb N makes it particularly functional in beverage formats, which is an application space that has already been exclusively licensed out.

With a taste profile closer to both full-calorie and high intensity sweeteners, Reb N also works very well in a variety of food formulations.

“The sweetest, best-tasting and highly sought-after rebaudiosides, like Rebs M, D and E, only exist in tiny quantities in the stevia leaf, thus making purification of them prohibitively expensive,” Ana Arakelian, head of public relations and communications, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

The Bestevia portfolio comprises Rebs B, D, E, I and M. These Rebs are marketed with clean-label, sustainable and natural positionings that respond to consumers’ label scrutiny.“The Bestevia stevia rebaudiosides are sustainable non-GMO stevia sweeteners. They are scalable to present low cost-in-use options for food and beverage manufacturers.”

The announcement follows SweeGen’s previous commercializations of Bestevia Rebs B and I.

Reinventing sweetness with Rebs
SweeGen’s entire proprietary portfolio of next generation, natural stevia molecules is classified as non-GMO, high-purity and clean tasting sweeteners. The company’s bioconversion technology starts with sustainably-sourced stevia leaves.

The Bestevia portfolio comprises Rebs B, D, E, I and M. These Rebs are marketed with clean-label, sustainable and natural positionings that respond to consumers’ label scrutiny.

Much like Bestevia Rebs M, E and I, Reb N is found in trace quantities in the stevia leaf, which historically made it difficult to isolate. 

“Each rebaudioside has its own unique sensory profile,” explains Arakelian. “By having access to many high-purity and best tasting Bestevia rebaudiosides, we are dynamic in our creative building block approach.”

“With such a wide range of next-generation stevia offerings now available, we will see a new level of innovation in better-for-you products that was previously considered impossible,” adds Conagen’s VP of innovation, Dr. Casey Lippmeier.

Regulatory greenlight paves way for expansion
SweeGen has already received the FDA Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS) no objection letter and acceptance from The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA). 

Last summer, SweeGen was granted regulatory approval of Rebs D and E in Singapore, adding to the previous approval of Bestevia Reb M by the Singapore Food Agency in 2019.

Dairy and beverages continue to see the highest demand for natural sweeteners, Shari Mahon, chief of global flavor application technology, previously told FoodIngredientsFirst.

“On the horizon, as consumers are curious about nutrition more than ever, we will see more demand for different flavors and sugar reduction in nutrition, such as gummies.”Much like Bestevia Rebs M, E and I, Reb N is found in trace quantities in the stevia leaf, which historically made it difficult to isolate. 

Diversifying your formulation toolbox 
Sugar reduction ties into Innova Market Insights’ sixth Top Trend for 2020, “Macronutrient Makeover,” which shows no signs of abating in this year’s product development.

The growing need for sugar reduction sees renewed interest from formulators seeking new approaches to averting sugar taxes, making products taste good while keeping sweetness profiles low. 

The segment has been branching out beyond stevia, with new launches of “label-friendly” wheat starch- and barley malt-based solutions.

Emergent solutions also include a new “hyper-sweet” designer protein that is marketed as “thousands of times sweeter than sugar,” featured in Ocean Spray’s new cranberry juice with 40 percent less sugar.

By Benjamin Ferrer