SweeGen, Inc.’s non-GMO Bestevia Reb E stevia leaf sweetener has passed more regulatory criteria, specifically that cited in Health Canada’s List of Permitted Sweeteners of Steviol Glycosides. The nature-based sweetener company’s product, which also holds a No Objection Letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can now be sold in Canada and will continue to pursue global approvals. Bestevia e+ was originally formulated for beverages but has shown success in reducing sugar and artificial sweeteners in applications including dairy, sports nutrition and bakeries, according to the company.

“Reb E is one of the main components in our Bestevia e+ formulation. E+ was specifically created for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with the existing application patents around Reb M in beverages in mind,” says Shari Joslin, VP of Application Technology. “Reb E, mixed with other stevia sweeteners, creates a mouthfeel and taste closest to sugar,” she adds.

The non-caloric, high-purity stevia sweetener is produced in a stevia leaf-based bioconversion process. “Our Bestevia e+ provides a clean, sugar-like taste with a most competitive price, comparable to sugar,” says Katharina Pueller, Director Natural Sweetener Business. It also joins other products Rem M and Reb D in a range of stevia leaf sweeteners SweeGen offers to the flavor, food and beverage industries.

This approval comes at a time when Canadian companies in the food and beverage sectors are working to reformulate their products with less sugar and artificial sweeteners. Last year, Canadian natural ingredient company, BioNeutra, partnered with Gee Lawson to distribute its low-calorie, sugar alternative in Europe.