PureCircle has announced that it has developed what it claims is the first commercially viable stevia antioxidant product providing food and beverage companies new access to health and wellness ingredients for their consumers.

While researchers have known that antioxidants are present in stevia plants, PureCircle says it is the first company to be able to extract them from the stevia leaf for use in food and beverage products, having created a unique process for extracting and purifying this plant- based antioxidant ingredient at a global scale.

The company’s antioxidant product is said to have a clean taste profile with a hint of sweetness. PureCircle is currently sampling the new product with customers with full rollout expected after anticipated US regulatory approval in 2018.

PureCircle notes that experts believe antioxidants help inhibit and slow down the damage caused by free radicals in the body. Consumers’ desire for these health benefits has driven an increase in product launches with antioxidant claims by +18% over the past five years.

The new stevia antioxidant will extend PureCircle’s portfolio beyond its flavor modifiers and sweeteners, enabling PureCircle to broaden its offerings, providing customers with a spectrum of plant-based stevia ingredients.

“Stevia as an antioxidant will further support beverage and food companies in providing their customers with health benefits and great-tasting products containing compounds commonly found in ‘superfoods’ such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains,” said Faith Son, Vice President of Marketing & Innovation. “Although it has been known that stevia plants contain antioxidants, the ability to extract is a major commercial advance.”