PureCircle introduced its new PureCircle Alpha stevia sweetener at Food Ingredients Europe in Paris in late 2011. PureCircle Alpha is a zero-calorie stevia ingredient that uses a proprietary combination of steviol glycosides to provide a more rounded sweetness profile and less bitterness, according to the company. The ingredient was designed for 50 to 100 percent calorie reduction and to better appeal to European tastes, it says. It can be used in a diverse range of beverages and is well-suited for acidic dairy applications, PureCircle reports.

• PureCircle Ltd., 915 Harger Road, Suite 250, Oak Brook, Ill. 60523; 630/361-0374; purecircle.com.