The RA Rundown

Making the Most of SteviaSweet™ RA60 through RA99

Summary

Not all stevia is created equal, and Reb A purity matters more than most formulators realize. In The RA Rundown, Icon Foods breaks down the practical, real-world differences between SteviaSweet™ RA60 through RA99, showing how each extract behaves across beverages, bakery, supplements, and confections. From the bold, cost-effective performance of RA60 to the ultra-clean sweetness of RA99, this guide explores sweetness intensity, flavor behavior, ideal usage levels, and best-fit applications for each grade. Rather than treating Reb A as a one-size-fits-all solution, the RA Rundown equips formulators with the insight needed to choose the right tool for the job and stack it intelligently with bulking sweeteners, fibers, and modulators. The result is better flavor control, fewer reformulation headaches, and stevia systems that actually deliver on clean-label promise.

Thom King, CFS, Food Scientist
Chief Innovations Officer, Icon Foods

When it comes to stevia extracts, not all Reb A levels are created equal. From the gritty workhorse that is RA60 to the nearly imperceptible sweetness of RA99, each version of SteviaSweet™ RA brings its own fingerprint to the table. And if you’re formulating for beverages, baked goods, or dietary supplements — understanding how to play to each one’s strengths can be the difference between a clean-label win and a reformulation rabbit hole.

Let’s break down each one, from RA60 (95/60) to RA99, with usage guidance, flavor behavior, and killer application matches.

SteviaSweet™ RA60 (95/60)

Glycoside Composition:

• Total Steviol Glycosides ≥ 95%
• Reb A ≥ 60%
• Remaining ~35%: Stevioside, Reb C, D, F, and others

Sweetness Estimate: ~250–300x sugar

Flavor Notes: Forward sweetness with slight licorice-like aftertaste. Bold. Unrefined but usable.

Best For:

• RTM functional drink mixes (greens, collagen)
• Granola bars & high-fiber snacks
• Chocolate-based systems where bitter components offer camouflage
• Tablets and chewables with erythritol or xylitol bases

Usage Levels:

Pro Tip: RA60 shines when you embrace its rusticity and stack it with bulking sweeteners like allulose or erythritol to round off the edges.

SteviaSweet™ RA80

Glycoside Composition:

• Reb A ≥ 80%
• Total Steviol Glycosides ≥ 95%

Sweetness Estimate: ~300x sugar

Flavor Notes: Smoother than RA60 with less bitterness and lingering. Still requires a flavor management strategy.

Best For:

• RTD beverages with darker flavor profiles (cola, root beer)
• High-protein confections
• Cost-conscious tabletop blends
• Supplement powders and gummies

Usage Levels:

Pro Tip: Think of RA80 as a transitional extract; a sweet spot (pun intended) between economy and functionality. Pair with VRM or Thaumatin for a smoother finish.

SteviaSweet™ RA95

Glycoside Composition:

• Reb A ≥ 95%
• Minimal secondary glycosides

Sweetness Estimate: ~300–350x sugar

Flavor Notes: Clean up front, slight bitter back note at higher usage levels, especially in acid or fruit-forward systems

Best For:

• Baked goods with vanilla or chocolate bases
• Frozen dairy or alt-dairy novelties
• Coffee creamers
• Tabletop blends with erythritol, inulin, or allulose

Usage Levels:

Pro Tip: Reb A95 delivers solid high-intensity sweetness in applications where fats and proteins can smooth the curve. Be cautious in high-acid systems without masking.

SteviaSweet™ RA98

Glycoside Composition:

• Reb A ≥ 98%
• Ultra-high purity for minimal interference

Sweetness Estimate: ~350–400x sugar

Flavor Notes: Very clean, fast onset. Slightly more pronounced upfront punch vs RA95, less bitterness.

Best For:

• High-clarity beverages (citrus, flavored water, hydration)
• Syrups and flavored concentrates
• High-end supplement and cosmetic drink powders
• Flavored sparkling waters

Usage Levels:

Pro Tip: RA98 is elegant but needs a soft touch. Less is more. Use in conjunction with ThauSweet VRM or SteviaSweet RM95D for better body and sweetness longevity.

SteviaSweet™ RA99

Glycoside Composition:

• Reb A ≥ 99%
• Ultra-premium grade

Sweetness Estimate: ~400x sugar

Flavor Notes: Bright, fast-acting, very little bitterness. Ultra-clean finish. Lacks body on its own.

Best For:

• High-end RTDs
• Enhanced waters
• Nutraceutical formulations where label claims matter
• Anything targeting the “premium keto” or clean-label niche

Usage Levels:

Pro Tip: RA99 pairs best when buffered by fibers, allulose or polyols that help reintroduce the “bulk” and sucrose-like mouthfeel. Don’t expect it to carry the sweetness load solo.

Comparative Summary Table

Choose the Right RA for the Right Job

Each RA variant serves a specific purpose, and when paired strategically with bulking sweeteners, fibers, or modulators, they can deliver just about any sweetness experience you’re after, from bold and assertive to clean and ephemeral. Think of these glycosides as tools in a kit: not interchangeable, but incredibly useful when matched with the right application.

So, whether you’re scaling a cost-efficient functional drink mix or crafting a luxurious zero-sugar iced tea for Whole Foods’ top shelf, there’s a SteviaSweet™ RA ready to do the heavy lifting.

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