Stevia, a sugar substitute with no calories that has been dubbed by some as the ‘holy grail’ of sweeteners, has now been introduced into sports drinks.

All Sport and Dr Pepper Snapple Group are launching All Sport Naturally Zero, a zero-calorie sports drink sweetened with rebiana (an all-natural sweetener from stevia) to capitalise on the interest that has swelled in stevia since Pepsi and Coca-Cola announced their intentions to launch products with the ingredient last year.

Since then, the two largest soft drink companies have launched stevia beverages after receiving approval* from the American food regulator – the Food and Drug Administration. Dr Pepper, Pepsi and Coca-Cola are all focussing on American tests of stevia beverages before considering global expansion.

“We have been working diligently in our R&D center to incorporate stevia in our products and in our allied brands such as All Sport,” said Larry Young, CEO of Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “Taste is king in the beverage industry, but for today’s consumers, health is becoming increasingly important. All Sport Naturally Zero delivers a unique proposition for the millions of Americans who exercise regularly and are looking to get the most out of their workouts.”

* Stevia also received approval from Australia’s food regulator, FSANZ, last year.

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