REBAUDIOSIDE A AND STEVIOSIDE COMPOSITIONS
The invention describes stevia compositions that are devoid of or have minimal concentrations of rebaudioside C and/or dulcoside A to decrease the aftertaste associated with stevia compositions.
1 .- 32 . (canceled)
33 . A stevia composition consisting essentially of steviol glycosides, wherein RD is present from about 0.5% to about 35% by weight, and wherein the composition contains less than about 0.2% RC or dulcoside A or both.
34 . The composition of claim 33 , wherein RA and stevioside are present in a combined amount of about 99.5% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
35 . The composition of claim therein RA and RB are present in a combined amount of about 99.5% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
36 . The composition of claim 33 , wherein RD is present from about 1.1% to about 35% by weight of the composition.
37 . The composition of claim 36 , wherein RA and stevioside are present in a combined amount of about 98.9% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
38 . The composition of claim 36 , wherein RA and RB are present in a combined amount of about 98.9% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
39 . The composition of claim 33 , wherein RD is present from about 5% to about 35% by weight of the composition.
40 . The composition of claim 39 , wherein RA and stevioside are present in a combined amount of about 95% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
41 . The composition of claim 39 , wherein RA and RB are present in a combined amount of about 95% to about 65% by weight of the composition.
42 . A stevia composition consisting essentially of RD, RA and stevioside, wherein RD is present from about 0.5% to about 35% by weight.
43 . The stevia composition of claim 42 , wherein the composition contains less than about 0.2% RC or dulcoside A or both.
44 . The stevia composition of claim 42 , wherein RD is present from about 1.1% to about 35% by weight.
45 . The stevia composition of claim 42 , wherein RD is present from about 5% to about 35% by weight.
46 . A stevia composition consisting essentially of RD, RA and RB, wherein RD is present from about 0.5% to about 35% by weight.
47 . The stevia composition of claim 46 , wherein the composition contains less than about 0.2% RC or dulcoside A or both.
48 . The stevia composition of claim 46 , wherein RD is present from about 1.1% to about 35% by weight.
49 . The stevia composition of claim 46 , wherein RD is present from about 5% to about 35% by weight.
50 . A method for reducing the aftertaste of a stevia composition consisting essentially of RA, RB, stevioside or combinations thereof, comprising the step of adding to the stevia composition purified RD to form a final product, wherein the purified RD is added in an amount that about 0.5% to about 35% by weight of the final product.
51 . The method of claim 50 , wherein the stevia composition contains less than about 0.2% RC or duicoside A or both.
52 . The method of claim 51 , wherein RD is added in an amount that about 1.1% to about 35% by weight of the final product.