Just in time for consumers’ health-related New Year’s resolutions, Cargill reminds formulators of recent clinical research exploring how stevia influences appetite, energy intake and blood glucose levels.

A Cargill-funded study asked participants to consume a beverage containing either water, stevia, sucrose, glucose or maltodextrin 30 minutes prior to consuming a buffet meal. Participants’ appetite ratings were assessed after drinking the beverage and blood glucose was measured at specific time intervals.  

Among the study’s key findings:

• Both stevia-sweetened beverages and water had no impact on blood glucose levels, while caloric-sweetened beverages (sucrose, glucose and maltodextrin) raised blood glucose levels.
•  Participants who consumed stevia-sweetened drinks reported reduced feelings of hunger and desire to eat compared to those who consumed water.
•  Stevia drinkers consumed the fewest calories, on average 105 kcal less than water drinkers or participants given beverages sweetened with caloric sweeteners.

Download an infographic on the study, or read the full results, published in the Journal of Nutrition.