Sweetener Stevia Research Articles

Co-immobilized recombinant glycosyltransferases efficiently convert rebaudioside A to M in cascade.

Rebaudioside M (Reb M), as a natural and healthy Stevia sweetener, is produced by two glycosyltransferases that catalyze the serial glycosylation of Rebaudioside A (Reb A) and Rebaudioside D (Reb D) in cascade. Meanwhile, it is of great importance in developing an immobilization strategy to improve the reusability of glycosyltransferases in reducing the production cost of Reb M. Here, the recombinant glycosyltransferases, i.e., OsEUGT11 (UGT1) and SrUGT76G1 (UGT2), were expressed in Escherichia coli and covalently immobilized onto chitosan beads. UGT1 and UGT2 were individually immobilized and co-immobilized onto the beads that catalyze Reb A to Reb M in one-pot. The co-immobilized enzymes system exhibited ∼3.2-fold higher activity than that of the mixed immobilized enzymes system. A fairly high Reb A conversion rate (97.3%) and a high Reb M yield of 72.2% (4.82 ± 0.11 g L−1) were obtained with a feeding Reb A concentration of 5 g L−1. Eventually, after 4 and 8 reused cycles, the co-immobilized enzymes retained 72.5% and 53.1% of their original activity, respectively, showing a high stability to minimize the total cost of enzymes and suggesting that the co-immobilized UGTs is of potentially signficant value for the production of Reb M.

Исследование возможности замены сахара на сахарозаменитель в рецептуре кекса из пшеничной муки

The article presents the results of a study on replacing sugar with the sugar substitute «Stevia» in bakery and confectionery products, in particular, in muffins. In the course of test baking, the optimal concentration of the Stevia sweetener in the wheat flour cake recipe was determined, at which the finished confectionery product meets the requirements for organoleptic and physicochemical indicators for confectionery products. A comparative assessment of the energy value of a cake made from wheat flour with sugar and a sugar substitute «Stevia» is given.

Optimisation of natural sweeteners for sugar reduction in chocolate flavoured milk and their impact on sensory attributes

The possibility of achieving a 50% of added sugar reduction in chocolate milk using natural non-nutritive sweeteners, namely stevia and monk fruit extract was studied and optimised using response surface methodology. Variables were chosen as stevia sweetener (5–100 ppm) and monk fruit extract (50–100 ppm) based on preliminary trials. Sensory attributes (overall liking, appearance, aroma, sweetness, mouthfeel and aftertaste) were taken as the responses. The process was optimised with a combination of 56.27 ppm of stevia sweetener and 81.90 ppm of monk fruit extract with sensory attributes of 6.78, 6.47, 6.31, 6.47, 6.45 and 6.33, respectively for overall liking, appearance, aroma, sweetness, mouthfeel and aftertaste. Use of the two selected sweeteners in combination resulted in sweetness synergy and the bitter and metallic aftertastes of stevia were masked by the monk fruit extract and helped enhance the overall sensory attributes of the product compared with the control.

Bioconversion of Stevioside to Rebaudioside E Using Glycosyltransferase UGTSL2.

Rebaudioside E, one of the minor components of steviol glycosides, was first isolated and identified from Stevia rebaudiana in 1977. It is a high-intensity sweetener that tastes about 150-200 times sweeter than sucrose and is also a precursor for biosynthesis of rebaudioside D and rebaudioside M, the next-generation Stevia sweeteners. In this work, new unknown steviol glycosides were enzymatically synthesized from stevioside by coupling UDP-glucosyltransferase UGTSL2 from Solanum lycopersicum and sucrose synthase StSUS1 from Solanum tuberosum. Rebaudioside E was speculated to be the main product of glucosylation of the Glc(β1→C-19) residue of stevioside along with the formation of a (β1→2) linkage based on the analysis of the regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of UGTSL2, and verified afterwards by LC-MS/MS with standard. In a 20-ml bioconversion reaction of 20g/l stevioside by UGTSL2 and StSUS1, 15.92g/l rebaudioside E was produced for 24h.

Steviol, the active principle of the stevia sweetener, causes a reduction of the cells of the immunological system even consumed in low concentrations

Aim Steviol is a natural diterpenoid glycoside isolated from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves and widely used as a non-caloric sweetener. In addition to their sweet taste, Steviol glycosides may also have some therapeutic benefits. There are few reports on the cytotoxicity of Steviol in human cells. Our objective was to test this sweetener under and at average concentrations of consumption, evaluating parameters of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and immunotoxicity. Methods For this purpose, we made use of lymphocyte cultures and the analysis of their CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ subpopulations. In a complementary way, the mechanism of action is proposed here by computational methods. Results and Conclusion Our results showed that Steviol reduces the number of lymphocytes due to falls of CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+ subpopulations. Besides, we observed an increase in the level of DNA damage and a gradual incidence of structural changes in the lymphocyte chromosomal sets. It was possible to propose that Steviol modulates gene expression, mainly interfering with the SESN1, NAP1L1, SOX4, and TREX1 genes. Although Steviol is used globally as a sweetener, its use should be cautious, as our study points out that Steviol has cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic effects in the concentrations and conditions tested in the culture of human lymphocyte cells.

Differences in consumption of sugar and sweeteners in two neighbor countries: Lithuania and Poland

Abstract Background In connection with attempts to reduce consumption of added sugar, consumption of non-nutritive (or low caloric) sweeteners (NNS) is likely to increse in many countries. In addition to variety of NNS, limited evidence on public health effects related to NNS exist. Thus, it remains important to monitor consumption of added sugar and sweeteners in our societies. As Lithuania and Poland are neighbor countries with similar culture and nutritional habits, the objective of this study was to compare consumption of sweeteners among adults in Lithuania and Poland. Methods A representative sample of Lithuanian population of adults aged 18 to 75 years was formed. A total number of 1008 residents from Lithuania participated. Distribution of them by answers about consumption of added sugar and sweeteners was assessed with respect to results of the survey conducted in central part of Poland where a group of 2000 adult respondents was investigated. Results Majority of respondents in both countries declared consumption of added sugar: 79.3% and 87.4% of Lithuanian and Polish respondents, respectively (p-value less than 0.05). Apart from sugar, majority of the respondents in Lithuania declared consumption of honey or fructose (respectively, 78.1% and 43.4%), consumption of other sweeteners such as saccharin, stevia, corn syrup, aspartame and sucralose were less prevalent (respectively, 30.9%, 18.2%, 9.5%, 9.0%, 3.4%). In Poland, 41.8% of respondents declared consumption of products containing stevia. Distribution of Poles by answers to the question which sweetener they used most often was 26.6%, 23.6%, 15.6%, 12.3% for stevia, xylitol, aspartame and fructose, respectively. Honey, acesulfame K, thaumatin and other substances were used by a lower percentage of Polish respondents. Conclusions Despite cultural similarities consumption of added sugar and sweeteners among adults differed significantly in two neighbor counties: Lithuania and Poland. Key messages In comparison to Lithuania, consumption of added sugar, xylitol and natural non-nutritive but intense sweetener stevia was more prevalent in Poland. In comparison to Poland, consumption of added sugar was less prevalent, but non-intense and high in calories sweeteners were more prevalent in Lithuania.

Functional direction technology of dairy serum product

The authors determined the nutritional value and vitamin-mineral composition of the introduced plant ingredients: spirulina, tarragon, mint and stevia sweetener and found that their nutritional and biological value is due to the high content of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals; justified their choice and composition of the microflora of the starter to give the product probiotic properties. The formula of the enriched product was developed and optimized based on the requirements for the production of functional food products. Set dose, method of heat treatment of insertion of the ingredients and process conditions for the production of fermented milk product reservoir method with consideration of prior extraction of tarragon and mint and control of industrial processes on the basis of which developed the technology of enriched fermented milk whey product. The qualitative indicators of the developed product were determined and it was found that the caloric content of the products is quite low and amounts to 25 kcal, all the indicators of the enriched product exceed the values of the control sample, it contains dietary fibers, the number of lactic acid microorganisms in the enriched product significantly exceeds the normalized values and the values of the control sample, which proves its high probiotic properties. The formation of lactic acid, ethyl alcohol, carbon dioxide, vitamins, enzymes and antibiotics in the process of fermentation in a fermented milk product, which together give it therapeutic and preventive properties and characterize the functional orientation of the product.

Functional fermented milk whey product: assessment of quality and safety

The authors have developed a technology and a procedure for assessing quality and safety of a fermented milk whey product enriched with spirulina, tarragon, mint, and stevia sweetener used as a balanced complex of biologically active substances. Sensory quality indicators were assessed on a 5-point scale, using the profiling method. The taste panel analysis results showed that the enriched product had improved sensory properties and more pleasant harmonious taste and aroma. The examination of the chemical composition showed that the enriched product increased its content of carbohydrates by 2.3%, ash by 5%, and protein by 25%; dietary fibers (0.30 g) were produced and made up to 15% of the reference daily intake. The examination of the vitamin composition found an increase in almost all vitamins due to the enrichment with natural plant ingredients and the fermentation. The study of the mineral composition showed that in Test sample, the total content of all studied macroelements increased by 17.0 mg, and the microelements number enhanced by 0.16 mg. Therefore, enrichment with plant ingredients allowed obtaining products with higher sensory properties, increased nutritional and biological values and safety, a higher content of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and induced dietary fiber to be produced.

Consumer-Based Sensory Characterization of Steviol Glycosides (Rebaudioside A, D, and M).

Rebaudioside (Reb) D and M are the recent focus of the food industry to address the bitter taste challenge of Reb A, which is the most commonly used steviol glycoside in natural sweetener stevia. This study evaluated the sensory characteristics of Reb A, D, and M, compared to 14% (w/v) sucrose, using a consumer panel and explored the relationship between 6-n-Propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status (i.e., non-tasters, medium tasters, supertasters) and the perceived intensity of sweet and bitter tastes of the three steviol glycosides. A total of 126 participants evaluated the intensities of in-mouth, immediate (5 s after expectorating), and lingering (1 min after expectorating) sweetness and bitterness of 0.1% Reb A, D, M, and 14% sucrose and described the aftertaste of the sweeteners by using a check-all-that-apply (CATA) question. The results showed that in-mouth sweetness and bitterness of Reb D and M were not significantly different from sucrose, unlike Reb A which showed significant bitterness. However, Reb D and M showed more intense lingering sweetness than sucrose. The CATA analysis resulted that Reb D and M were closer to positive attribute terms and also to sucrose than Reb A, but Reb D and M were still considered artificial, which may cause them to be perceived negatively. When comparing among PROP taster groups, no significant differences in the perceived sweetness and bitterness of the three steviol glycosides were found. This study generates important information about Reb A, D, and M for the food industry, especially working with products formulated to deliver reductions in sugar using a natural high-intensity sweetener, stevia.

The Potential of Modulating the Reducing Sugar Released (and the Potential Glycemic Response) of Muffins Using a Combination of a Stevia Sweetener and Cocoa Powder.

Muffins are popular bakery products. However, they generally contain high amounts of sugar. The over-consumption of muffins may therefore result in a high calorie intake and could lead to increased health risks. For this reason, muffins were prepared substituting sucrose with two levels of a base of stevia (Stevianna®). In addition, cocoa powder and vanilla were added to the muffin formulation with and without Stevianna® to mask any potential off flavors. Results illustrate that muffins with 50% Stevianna® replacement of sucrose were similar to the control samples in terms of volume, density and texture. However, replacement of sugar with 100% Stevianna® resulted in reductions in height (from 41 to 28 mm), volume (from 63 to 51 mL), and increased firmness (by four-fold) compared to the control sample. Sugar replacement significantly reduced the in vitro predictive glycemic response of muffins (by up to 55% of the control sample). This work illustrates the importance of sugar in maintaining muffin structure as well as controlling the rate of glucose release during simulated digestions.

Cargill, DSM start up stevia factory

Cargill and joint venture partner DSM have begun commercial-scale production of fermentation-derived sweeteners based on the stevia molecule. Stevia sweeteners are normally extracts from the stevia plant, but thanks to engineered microbes, the partners say they can produce the most pleasant-tasting and rare steviol glycosides in larger amounts at lower cost. The $50 million stevia facility is at Cargill’s site in Blair, Nebraska.

Komposisi Ekstrak Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Terhadap Karakteristik Sirup Bit (Beta vulgaris L.)

Beetroots are a type of tubers with a distinctive purplish red color and are beneficial for health with a high amount of betasianin as an antioxidant, as well as its use in preventing infection. But the beetroot is less liked by the public because of the strong enough earthy taste, so it is necessary to do new innovations for the product to be accepted by the community, one of which is the functional beet syrup drink. To create a preferred flavor, the addition of other food additives and sweetener stevia which has a sweetness level of 200-300 times that of sugar and includes non-calorie sweeteners is done. This study aims to analyze the best concentration of stevia extract on the sweetness level and beetroot characteristics and determine the level of panelists' preference for beetroot syrup (Beta vulgaris L.) with organoleptic tests. This research was conducted with a randomized block design (RBD), the data were analyzed by variance (ANOVA), if the data obtained were significantly different, the DMRT would be further tested at 5% level. The results showed that the highest betasianin was in the SBS15 treatment (31.74 mg / l), the highest total dissolved solids was in the SBS treatment (3.25ÂoBrix), the highest pH was in the SBS15 treatment (4.22), the highest vitamin C was in the SBS15 treatment (11.66 mg ascorbic acid / 10 ml). Organoleptic results showed that beet syrup with the addition of stevia extract of 6% was the most preferred sample by panelists.Â

Simple and Efficient Green Extraction of Steviol Glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana Leaves.

The food industry has currently shown great interest in alternative sweeteners to sugars with the aim of producing healthier products. In light of this, steviol glycosides are natural low-caloric sweeteners present in Stevia rebaudiana, which have additionally been described as bioactive components with potential therapeutic properties. In this work, a green method for the extraction of steviol glycosides from stevia leaves was optimized by applying a factorial screening design of five variables (time, temperature, agitation, grinding, and sample–solvent ratio) and the subsequent response surface design of Box-Behnken. The optimized extraction method allows for the recovery of stevia sweeteners in a simple and efficient manner by using tap water as the extractant, without the application of an auxiliary energy source to reduce costs, thus representing an interesting strategy for their industrial-scale production.

The Effect of Various Types of Natural Sweeteners in Agar with Rice Bran Addition on Organoleptic and Physicochemical Characteristics

Abstract— This research was conducted in two stages, first stage, looking for the best concentration of natural sweetener with organoleptic. Second stage analyzed the physicochemical characteristics using the best concentration of first stage. This research was carried out using a Completely Randomized Design, with various natural sweeteners consisting 6 levels, namely: stevia sweetener (0.05%, 0.75%, 0.10%), sorghum sugar (10%, 15%, 20%), corn sugar (10%, 15%, 20%), coconut sugar (14%, 15%, 16%), palm sugar (7.5%, 10%, 12.5%), and honey (15%, 25%, 35%) and 3 replications so that 18 experimental units. The addition of various types of natural sweeteners significantly affected the hedonic test (taste and overall acceptance), water content, pH, total dissolved solids, total sugar, and color but did not significantly affect the hedonic quality test (texture), hedonic test (texture and color), crude fiber content, syneresis and gel hardness.
 Keywords— Agar, Natural Sweeteners, Rice Bran

Aprovechamiento de la naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) variedad INIAP Quitoense-2009 para la obtención de una bebida carbonatada

Se elaboró una bebida carbonatada con pulpa natural de naranjilla (variedad INIAP Quitoense 2009). Para ello se realizaron combinaciones con tres concentraciones de pulpa (15, 20, 25 %), tres concentraciones del edulcorante natural stevia (10, 12, 14 %) y agua, registrándose variables de sólidos solubles, pH y acidez titulable. Se determinó la mejor formulación mediante el análisis de varianza, prueba de Tukey al 5 % y la aceptación mediante el análisis sensorial. Posteriormente, se adicionó 0.4, 0.5 y 0.6 % de estabilizante (goma arábiga) y se procedió a medir los mismos parámetros y la altura de sedimentación. Los resultados se analizaron estadísticamente. Para la carbonatación se pasteurizó y se envasó la bebida más estable en botellas de vidrio ámbar de 350 ml y se agregó 1.8 g de CO2 sólido (hielo seco). Se selló el envase y se realizaron las pruebas sensoriales después de 24 horas para determinar la aceptación de la bebida carbonatada. La formulación más aceptable fue: 25 % pulpa, 10 % edulcorante, 0.5 % estabilizante, 0.1 % benzoato de sodio, 0.05 % ácido cítrico, 0.5 % CO2 sólido y el resto agua. La pulpa de naranjilla puede ser utilizada en la elaboración de una bebida carbonatada, ya que cumple con la normativa ecuatoriana.

CARACTERIZACIÓN FISICOQUÍMICA Y NIVEL DE AGRADO DE UNA MERMELADA ARTESANAL A BASE DE MANZANA (Malus pumila cv. Golden Delicious) Y CHAYOTE (Sechium edule).

Objetivo: determinar las características de calidad de una mermelada de chayote con manzana endulzada con tres combinaciones de endulcorantes y tomando como punto de referencia, el nivel de agrado del consumidor.
 Diseño/metodología/aproximación: La primera formulación consistió en 1,050 g de manzana, 630 g de chayote, 400 g de azúcar, con la adición de 500 mL de agua y 10 mL de jugo de limón como conservador natural. La segunda formulación fue preparada con 1,030 g de manzana, 705 g de chayote, 500 mL de agua, 600 g de endulzante a base de estevia comercial al 0.06%, 250 mL de miel de agave y 10 mL jugo de limón. La tercera formulación fue preparada con 1,040 g de manzana, 650 g de chayote, 500 mL de agua, 20 g de estevia natural molida, 500 mL de miel de agave y 10 mL de jugo de limón. Las mermeladas fueron evaluadas por consumidores con base en una escala hedónica.
 Resultados: Las características fisicoquímicas y nutricionales de la mermelada más aceptada fueron: azúcares totales 28.33%, carbohidratos disponibles 28.45%, fibra dietética 1.46%, proteína 0.18%, cenizas 0.18% entre otros. La más agradable para el consumidor fue la mermelada de manzana con chayote endulzada con estevia y miel de agave.
 Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Se recomienda profundizar en el estudio de la vida de anaquel del producto para asegurar el tiempo en que se mantiene su calidad
 Hallazgos/conclusiones: La fabricación de mermelada a base de chayote representa una alternativa viable para la diversificación de productos procesados a base de chayote.

Development of Low Calorie Jam by Replacement of Sugar with Natural Sweetener Stevia

Development of Low Calorie Jam by Replacement of Sugar with Natural Sweetener Stevia

Development and Evaluation of Sugar Free Biscuit Prepared by Fenugreek Seed Powder and Natural Sweetener Stevia and Process Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

Development and Evaluation of Sugar Free Biscuit Prepared by Fenugreek Seed Powder and Natural Sweetener Stevia and Process Optimization by Response Surface Methodology

Micronutrient Analysis by Ion Chromatography and AAS, Pasting Properties, and Shelf-life Study of Sugar Free Biscuit Inriched with Fenugreek Seed Powder and Natural Sweetener Stevia

Micronutrient Analysis by Ion Chromatography and AAS, Pasting Properties, and Shelf-life Study of Sugar Free Biscuit Inriched with Fenugreek Seed Powder and Natural Sweetener Stevia

Newcomers head for zero-calorie sweetener market

Companies based on fermentation technology are pushing into the business of making rebaudioside M, a zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the stevia plant. The Bay Area biotech firm Amyris says it will launch a Reb M-based sweetener in 2019. It intends to produce the molecule from sugarcane syrup on a large scale via fermentation with modified microbes. Plant-extracted stevia sweeteners can contain bitter-tasting molecules, Amyris says. Reb M is considered the sweetest of steviol glycosides, but it exists in only tiny quantities in the stevia plant. Amyris has linked up with ASR Group, the cane-sugar refiner that owns the Domino Sugar and C&H Sugar brands. ASR has agreed to buy 80% of Amyris’s sweetener output for three years. The company also has partnerships with Brazilian firms, including the cane-sugar producer Raízen. Shoppers in the South American country will be the first to try a tabletop sweetener version of Reb M, made