The array of serious health risks imposed by excessive energy and sugar consumption are widely acknowledged globally. In the era of COVID-19, in which obese and chronically ill individuals are at greater risk of developing serious complications due to COVID-19 infections, the food and beverage industry must rise to the challenge and further expand programs to reduce the levels of energy and free sugars in food and beverage products. There is a wealth of scientific evidence that supports the use of nonnutritive sweeteners including stevia sweeteners to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. This white paper discusses the research on the positive effects of stevia sweeteners on health and wellness and innovations that enable new approaches to sugar reduction.
