SteviaSweet™ RA99M v. RA60, RA80, and RA95
Summary
SteviaSweet™ RA99M represents a next-generation advance in steviol glycoside sweetening, combining high-purity Rebaudioside A and Rebaudioside M to deliver a cleaner, more sugar-like taste than traditional Reb A grades such as RA60, RA80, and RA95. This white paper compares the four options across purity, sweetness intensity, sensory profile, onset, and application fit, showing how RA99M achieves faster sweetness onset, minimal bitterness, and a smoother sweetness curve that closely mimics sucrose. With sweetness potency reaching roughly 300–350 times that of sugar, RA99M enables lower use rates while improving flavor performance in beverages, dairy, sports nutrition, and better-for-you formulations. Though premium in cost, its superior sensory performance and blending synergy with sugar can improve overall formulation efficiency and consumer acceptance. For developers focused on sugar reduction without taste compromise, RA99M stands out as a high-performance, clean-label solution.
Thom King, CFS, Food Scientist
Chief Innovations Officer, Icon Foods
In an era where health and wellness take center stage, the quest for sugar alternatives has led to remarkable advancements in food science and steviol glycoside performace. One noteworthy performer in this field is Icon Food’s SteviaSweet™ RA99M, an innovative blend of steviol glycosides, specifically rebaudioside A (often referred to as Reb A) and rebaudioside M (known as Reb M). This blend is available in both conventional and organic forms, and it is gaining rapid attention for its ability to enhance the formulation of better-for-you foods and beverages, particularly target toward consumers aiming to minimize added sugars while still enjoying sweetness.
What Are Steviol Glycosides, Anyway?
To fully appreciate what makes RA99M so unique, it’s essential to understand steviol glycosides. These natural compounds are derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offering a sweetness that sets them apart from traditional sugar. Unlike standard sugars, which can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels and contribute to weight gain, steviol glycosides provide a sweet sensation with zero calories or carbs. This characteristic makes them an attractive choice for formulars targeting those consumers seeking to cut down on sugar, manage weight, embrace a GLP-1 lifestyle or simply leaning into healthier options.
How do these various steviol glycosides compare to other steviol glycosides? Let’s have a look.
Here is a detailed comparative analysis of RA99M versus RA60, RA80, and RA95, highlighting differences in purity, sensory profile, and application suitability in food and beverage formulations:
Comparative Analysis: RA99m v. RA60, RA80, and RA95
| Attribute | RA60 | RA80 | RA95 | RA99M (Reb A + Reb M blend) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity Level | 60% Rebaudioside A | 80% Rebaudioside A | 95% Rebaudioside A | ≥99%, high-purity blend of Reb A & Reb M |
| Sweetness Intensity | ~150× sucrose | ~180× sucrose | ~250× sucrose | ~300–350× sucrose |
| Off-Notes | High bitterness, licorice | Moderate bitterness | Low bitterness | Minimal bitterness, clean sugar-like |
| Onset of Sweetness | Slow | Moderate | Faster | Rapid onset, close to sucrose |
| Sweetness Curve | Steep rise, sharp decline | Uneven, lingering | Smooth with slight tail | Smooth onset and dissipation, linear |
| Taste Quality | Bitter tail, lingering aftertaste | Noticeable aftertaste | Cleaner taste, slight linger | Clean, rounded, sucrose-like |
| Cost Efficiency | Economical | Moderate | Higher cost | Highest cost, but lower usage needed |
| Application Fit | Masked systems, low-budget | Mid-tier products | Premium applications | High-end, clean-label applications |
| Blending Compatibility | Requires flavor modulation | Often blended for better taste | Can be used alone or blended | Ideal as a standalone sweetener or in high-performance blends |
The bar chart above illustrates the increasing sweetness intensity from RA60 through RA99M. RA99M, with its optimized blend of Rebaudioside A and M, delivers the highest relative sweetness—approximately 325 times that of sucrose—making it the most potent and clean-tasting option among the group.
The above graph visually compares the sweetness curves of RA60, RA80, RA95, and RA99M. RA99M demonstrates a steeper and more linear sweetness response with a clean onset and higher peak intensity, closely mimicking sucrose. In contrast, RA60 has a flatter curve with a delayed and weaker sweetness profile, while RA80 and RA95 show incremental improvements in both onset and intensity.
Key Insights
- RA60 and RA80 are cost-effective options suitable for applications where flavor modulators and masking agents can compensate for their sensory limitations.
- RA95 represents a significant improvement in taste purity and sweetness efficiency, making it appropriate for more taste-sensitive products like flavored waters, functional beverages, or low-sugar dairy.
- RA99M combines Rebaudioside A and Rebaudioside M, delivering a synergistic effect that mimics the clean, full-bodied sweetness of sucrose more closely than any single glycoside. It offers rapid sweetness onset, minimal aftertaste, and optimal mouthfeel, making it ideal for premium beverages, sports nutrition, and “sugar-like” label claims.
While RA60, RA80, and RA95 offer ascending improvements in purity and sweetness quality, RA99M stands out as a next-generation solution for food and beverage formulators seeking a high-intensity sweetener with a clean, sugar-like profile and superior sensory experience. Though it comes at a premium cost, its enhanced performance and lower usage rate can lead to overall formulation efficiency and superior consumer acceptance.
RA99M – Sugar’s Best Friend
RA99M is sings in sweet harmony with sugar as it effectively pairs with sugar to amplify its sweetness perception while allowing food formulators to reduce the overall amount of added sugar in their products. We’ve been over this but, it works by binding to the sweetness receptors on the tongue, enhancing the sweet taste experience without contributing significant calories. When combined with sugar, RA99M boosts the sweetness profile, making it possible to achieve the desired flavor with lower sugar levels. This synergy not only helps in reducing the caloric content of food products but also addresses government and consumer demand for healthier options without sacrificing taste. As a result, RA99M serves as a valuable tool for food formulators and manufacturers alike aiming to create delicious, lower-sugar formulations that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
SteviaSweet™ RA99M by Icon Foods is an ideal choice for formulating better-for-you foods and beverages, catering to the growing demand for healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.
Since 1999 Icon Foods has been your reliable supply chain partner for sweeteners, fibers, sweetening systems, inclusions and sweetness modulators.
Reach out to your Icon Foods representative for SteviaSweet™ RA99M samples, documentation and formulations guidance.
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