China Approves Stevia Polyphenols as New Food Ingredient, Boosting Natural Sweetener Industry

Recently, China’s National Health Commission officially announced the approval of stevia polyphenols as a new food ingredient under the "Announcement on 20 New Food Ingredients, Additives, and Related Products" (No. 1 of 2025). This milestone decision highlights China’s commitment to advancing natural plant-based ingredients in the food industry.

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Introduction to Stevia Polyphenols

Stevia polyphenols are bioactive compounds, primarily as byproducts of steviol glycoside production. These polyphenols include chlorogenic acids (e.g., isochlorogenic acids), flavonoids, and other phenolic derivatives, contributing to antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

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Source and Production Process

Stevia polyphenols are extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, a plant native to South America and cultivated in Hebei, Gansu, and Shandong provinces in China. The manufacturing process involves ethanol extraction, filtration, purification, concentration, and drying.

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Global Regulatory Status

Stevia polyphenols are widely recognized internationally:

Japan & South Korea: Approved as a general food ingredient;

United States: Regulated as a dietary supplement;

European Union: Authorized for use in infused beverages.

China’s inclusion of stevia polyphenols aligns with global standards and supports domestic enterprises in developing functional food products.

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Industry Trends and Corporate Opportunities

Hunan Nutramax, a leader in natural sweeteners, leverages patented technologies (e.g., CN113861251A) to optimize stevia extraction. With China’s regulatory support, the company can expand applications of stevia polyphenols in food and beverages, aligning with global demand for clean-label ingredients.