Although Valentine’s Day has passed, stevia is still “whispering sweet nothings” into consumers’ ears. As a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that’s sweeter than sugar, stevia is capitalizing on consumer demand for natural and healthy beverages.

CytoSport Inc. launched a naturally flavored protein shake targeted at women.

Pyure Brands will launch a zero-calorie organic energy shot under the name of Pyure Organic Energy Optimization, or O.E.O. for short.

More beverages are being developed with functional health properties and lower calories. 

Boundary Waters Brands added two new flavors to its line of Joia All Natural Sodas: Ginger, Apricot & Allspice and Orange, Jasmine & Nutmeg.

Whether it’s to enhance flavor profiles, reduce calories or to mask the off-notes of added vitamins and minerals, beverage manufacturers continue to turn to sweeteners to help produce products that appeal to consumers’ taste preferences. 

Growing up, Paddy Spence, chief executive officer of Zevia, loved carbonated soft drinks (CSDs). 

Zevia added Strawberry, Cherry Cola and Lime Cola to its line of stevia-sweetened soft drinks, bringing its portfolio to 15.