Q1: What is the primary difference between Organic Reb A and Organic Reb M Stevia Extract?
Answer: While both are purified steviol glycosides derived from the Stevia rebaudiana leaf, they differ significantly in natural abundance, molecular structure, and sensory performance. Rebaudioside A (Reb A) is the most abundant high-sweetness glycoside in conventional leaves, yielding a sharp sweet taste with a mild lingering licorice aftertaste at higher concentrations. Rebaudioside M (Reb M) exists in much lower concentrations in the leaf but provides a clean, rapid sweet onset with a sensory profile virtually identical to sucrose and almost zero bitterness. Reb M is ideal for premium sugar-free formulations, whereas Reb A offers an economical high-intensity sweetening solution.
Q2: How do you verify that your Stevia Extract Bulk is 100% Organic certified?
Answer: Our products undergo rigorous third-party auditing by accredited organic certifying bodies (such as NOP/USDA and EU Organic certifiers). We provide full chain-of-custody documentation, including Transaction Certificates (TC), Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing zero synthetic pesticide residues (multi-residue screening covering over 500 pesticides via GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS), non-irradiation certificates, and Non-GMO declarations.
Q3: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time for wholesale orders?
Answer: Standard packaging comes in 10 kg or 20 kg fiber drums with double inner PE vacuum bags. Our minimum order quantity for standard stock grades (e.g., Organic Reb A 98%, Organic Reb M 95%) is 20 kg (1 drum). For custom particle sizing, specialized blends, or OEM private labeling, the MOQ is typically 100 kg. Samples are available within 48 hours, while bulk production shipments ship within 7 to 12 business days depending on global destination.
Q4: How does thermal and pH stability impact Organic Stevia in beverage and bakery manufacturing?
Answer: Organic Steviol Glycosides are exceptionally stable compared to artificial sweeteners like aspartame. They remain heat-stable up to 200°C (392°F), making them suitable for high-temperature baking, UHT pasteurization, retort sterilization, and extrusion processing. Furthermore, stevia remains chemically stable across a wide pH spectrum (pH 2.0 to 10.0), showing no degradation or loss of sweetness in acidic carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, or dairy matrices over extended shelf life.
Q5: Can Organic Stevia Extract be declared as a natural flavor or natural sweetener on consumer labels?
Answer: Labeling guidelines vary by target jurisdiction. In the United States (FDA), purified steviol glycosides (≥95% purity) are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) and typically labeled as "Organic Stevia Leaf Extract" or "Purified Stevia Leaf Extract". In Europe (EFSA), it is identified as food additive E960a (Organic steviol glycosides from stevia). Under specific sensory modulatory concentrations, certain stevia preparations may also qualify as "Natural Flavoring" depending on local food regulation.
Q6: What measures are taken to ensure consistent batch-to-batch taste profiles?
Answer: We enforce strict sensory panel evaluation alongside automated High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) screening for every production run. By standardizing the ratio of major and minor glycosides (Reb A, Reb B, Reb C, Reb D, Reb M, and Dulcoside A), we ensure that your product's sweetness curve, onset, and dissolution rates remain identical across every single shipment.
Q7: What are the storage requirements and shelf-life of bulk organic stevia extract?
Answer: Bulk Stevia powder is highly hydrostable when kept in sealed original packaging. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors at temperatures below 25°C (77°F) and relative humidity under 60%. Under these conditions, the certified shelf-life is 36 months from the date of manufacture.
