Cargill has officially started producing EverSweet, a zero-calorie, next-generation sweetener made with what the company claims are two of the best tasting sweet compounds found in the stevia leaf, Reb M and Reb D. Food and beverage companies looking to satisfy consumers’ desire for healthier food choices now can offer this zero-calorie sweetener without sacrificing great taste, Cargill said.

“Cargill has set a new benchmark for sweetness without calories with our EverSweet sweetener," said Andrew Ohmes, global stevia business leader for Cargill. "Our goal has always been to address our customers’ needs to make lower calorie products that taste great and are affordable to all.”

Since the stevia plant produces only trace amounts of Reb M and Reb D, fermentation allows for large quantities of these most sought-after sweet compounds to be commercially produced in a more sustainable way, according to the company. Cargill says its use of this fermentation process offers the flexibility to expand rapidly and cost-effectively as the demand for the EverSweet sweetener grows.

In addition to hitting this new production milestone, Cargill and Evolva reached a new agreement for the EverSweet sweetener, which replaces the existing agreements, and adds certain additional high intensity sweeteners.

Evolva CEO Simon Waddington said, "We are delighted that Cargill has started commercial production of EverSweet. We look forward to the next chapter in the exciting space of sweeteners."

“Cargill is excited to bring EverSweet sweetener to the market,” said Ohmes. “EverSweet sweetener provides healthier options to consumers whether our customers use it in beverages, dairy products or nutritional bars to name a few.”