USDA Organic Stevia Extract Powder | CO₂-Extracted, Non-GMO & Clean Label Sweetener | Heavy Metal-Tested
Key Differences: Organic vs. Conventional Stevia
1. USDA Organic Certification: The Gold Standard
Organic stevia adheres to USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards, which enforce strict criteria for farming and processing:
| Criteria | Organic Stevia | Conventional Stevia |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Practices | Grown without synthetic pesticides, GMO seeds, or chemical fertilizers. Soil undergoes a 3-year conversion period to eliminate chemical residues. | Often uses synthetic pesticides and GMO seeds. |
| Processing Standards | Prohibits irradiation, synthetic solvents, or artificial additives. | May use ethanol or chemical solvents for extraction. |
| Labeling | Requires ≥95% organic ingredients to display the USDA Organic seal. | No organic claims permitted. |
Why It Matters: USDA Organic certification ensures compliance with 59 global organic equivalency agreements, enabling seamless export to markets like the EU and Japan.
2. Extraction Technology: Solvent-Free vs. Chemical Processing
- CO₂ Supercritical Extraction (Organic):
-Uses pressurized CO₂ (73.8 bar, 31.1°C) to isolate ≥98% Reb-A with zero solvent residues.
-Preserves 40% higher phenolic antioxidants vs. ethanol extraction.
-Aligns with clean label demands for "no artificial additives".
- Ethanol Extraction (Conventional):
-Leaves residual solvents (up to 500 ppm ethanol) and reduces product stability.
-Linked to bitter aftertaste due to incomplete glycoside purification.
-Case Study: CO₂-extracted stevia achieves 97.5% Reb-A purity with <0.02 ppm arsenic (vs. 1.58 ppm in raw leaves).
3. Quality Assurance: Heavy Metal & Microbial Standards
| Parameter | Organic Stevia RA98 | Conventional Stevia |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Metals | ≤0.5 ppm lead, ≤0.1 ppm arsenic (ICP-MS) | Often lacks standardized testing |
| Microbial Limits | ≤5,000 CFU/g total plate count | May exceed safety thresholds |
| Residual Solvents | 0 ppm (CO₂ evaporates completely) | Ethanol residues up to 500 ppm |
Certifications: Validated by SGS/Eurofins and compliant with FDA GRAS, EFSA, and ISO 9001/GMP.
4. Clean Label Trends: Transparency & Sustainability
- Consumer Demand: 82% of shoppers pay a premium for no artificial additives.
- Applications:
-Bakery: Replace sucrose in keto cookies (1:200 ratio) with erythritol for bulk.
-Skincare: Add 0.5% stevia to serums for 18% collagen synthesis and UV protection.
-Beverages: Achieve crisp sweetness in teas with 0.05% stevia and no glycemic impact.
- Sustainability: CO₂ extraction reduces water usage by 80% vs. sugarcane farming.
5.Production Process & QC Workflow
- 6-Stage Extraction:
Leaf Harvesting → CO₂ Supercritical Extraction (31.1°C, 73.8 bar) → HPLC Purity Analysis → Spray Drying → Batch Standardization → Vacuum Sealing.
- Third-Party Testing:
-Heavy Metals: ICP-MS for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury.
-Microbial Safety: USP<61>/<62> standards for E. coli, Salmonella.
-Purity Verification: HPLC confirms ≥98% steviol glycosides.
User Testimonials & Case Studies
"Switching to RA98 reduced our product recalls by 30% – customers love the clean taste!"
**– GreenBite Snacks (USA)**
"Used RA98 in anti-aging serums – 25% improvement in skin elasticity reported in 12 weeks."
**– PureGlow Cosmetics (Germany)**
FAQ Expansion
Q: Can RA98 replace sugar 1:1 in recipes?
A: No. Use 1/200th the amount of sugar (e.g., 1 tsp stevia ≈ 200 tsp sugar). For baking, blend with erythritol for texture.
Q: How does RA98 compare to monk fruit?
A: RA98 has higher antioxidant levels (40% MDA reduction) and blends seamlessly without bitterness.
Q: Shelf life after opening?
A: 24 months in vacuum-sealed packaging; 12 months if stored in cool, dry conditions.
Ready to Upgrade? Explore bulk pricing for RA98 with global DDP/DAP shipping and OEM support.