Why consumer acceptance of stevia is low

Stevia has long been hailed as the natural answer to sugar reduction, Plant-derived, calorie-free and aligned with consumer demand for “clean” ingredients. Yet despite its promise, many shoppers still avoid stevia-sweetened drinks. The reason? That all-too-familiar bitter or lingering aftertaste that makes “better-for-you” feel like a compromise.

For drink brands, this perception is a major barrier to reformulation success. But the good news is that it’s not an unsolvable problem and it doesn’t have to mean costly or complex changes.

With TasteMod², formulators finally have a simple, low-cost way to overcome stevia’s sensory challenges and deliver a great-tasting product that wins repeat purchase.

Why stevia leaves an aftertaste

Understanding the problem helps us solve it. Stevia’s core sweet compounds (steviol glycosides) activate both sweet and bitter receptors on the tongue. Whilst the sweetness hits first, a delayed “tail” of bitterness or herbal notes often follows especially when paired with acidic or caffeinated ingredients.

In fizzy drinks, that effect can be even more noticeable. Carbonation sharpens flavour perception, and as the fizz fades, those bitter notes can become more pronounced. The result is a drink that starts strong but ends with a grimace.

The easy route to a cleaner, more balanced taste

TasteMod²  is a flavour-with-modifying-properties (FMP) solution, designed specifically to rebalance taste profiles in low- and no-sugar soft drinks.

When used alongside stevia, TasteMod² works by smoothing and masking unwanted bitterness and lingering sweetness, helping drinks taste more natural and sugar-like without adding calories or complexity.

Key benefits:

• Eliminates bitter and metallic aftertaste associated with stevia and other high-intensity sweeteners
• Enhances mouthfeel and body, helping beverages feel fuller and more satisfying
• Improves flavour perception by rounding off sharp notes and restoring balance
• Low inclusion rate, low cost-in-use, making it a practical fix for formulators
• Compatible with carbonated and soft drinks ensuring a consistent taste from first sip to last

TasteMod² integrates seamlessly into standard production processes, requiring no additional line investment or formulation overhaul — just a small addition for a big sensory improvement.

Why it works

TasteMod² doesn’t just cover up the aftertaste, it changes how flavour is perceived. By adjusting the way sweet, sour, and bitter notes interact on the palate, it brings the profile closer to what consumers expect from full-sugar drinks.

This effect not only improves taste but also enhances the impact of aroma and carbonation, helping brands deliver drinks that feel refreshing, full-bodied and premium even with zero sugar.

A simple step toward real consumer acceptance

Brands have spent years chasing the perfect stevia balance, blending sweeteners, adding sugar back in small amounts and using expensive modulators. TasteMod² offers a far simpler alternative with no need for complex sweetener blends or heavy flavour masking.

Just one small step in formulation and a major leap towards consumer satisfaction.

The future

Stevia can and should be part of the soft drink industry’s sugar reduction future but this will only happen if consumers enjoy drinks that use stevia. With TasteMod², beverage developers can finally deliver the clean, natural sweetness consumers expect — without the unpleasant aftertaste that’s been holding stevia back.

Simple, cost-effective and proven. TasteMod² helps stevia taste the way it should, sweet, clean, and refreshing. Our technical team can provide guidance, samples and application support to help you create drinks that consumers love from first sip to last.

Get in touch today to discuss how TasteMod² can help your beverages make the move to stevia. Email hello@tastemod2.com or visit www.tastemod2.com