Steviva Ingredients has introduced CocoSweet+, a high-intensity sweetener composed of coconut sugar and water-extracted stevia. The blend delivers a full, clean flavor profile with hints of honey or caramel, and it has a mouthfeel comparable to sugar, according to Portland-based Steviva Ingredients.

CocoSweet+ has been shown to work in sweet baked foods, including cookies and biscuits, and beverages. It also pairs well with flavored dairy and tea.

“While stevia may be used alone, it is best used in a combination,” said Thom King, president of Steviva Ingredients. “The proprietary blend of stevia and coconut sugar in CocoSweet+ gives food and beverage manufacturers greater flexibility to create clean label, reduced sugar products with extraordinary sweetness profiles.”

Coconut sugar has a glycemic index of 35. Combining it with stevia reduces the glycemic index further because smaller amounts of sweetener are required in applications, according to the company. CocoSweet+ is non-bioengineered, free of allergens and certified kosher.