Steviol Glycoside Compositions for Oral Ingestion or Use

Compositions and uses for steviol glycoside compounds having four glucopyranose residues attached via the number 13 carbon (C13) of the steviol moiety and a second group of two or three glucopyranose residues attached via the number 19 carbon (C19) of the steviol moiety are described, and exemplified by compounds SG101-104. A steviol glycoside composition including one or more of compounds SG101-104 in combination with other steviol glycosides including other rebaudiosides can be used as a sweetener composition to sweeten other compositions (sweetenable compositions) such as foods, beverages, medicines, oral hygiene compositions, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the like.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to steviol glycoside compositions having a plurality of steviol glycosides and methods of use therefor. The present disclosure also relates to sweetener compositions and throw syrups to prepare sweetened compositions including food, beverages, dental products, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Sugars, such as sucrose, fructose and glucose, are utilized to provide a pleasant taste to beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals, and oral hygienic/cosmetic products. Sucrose, in particular, imparts a taste preferred by consumers. Although sucrose provides superior sweetness characteristics, it is caloric. Non-caloric or lower caloric sweeteners have been introduced to satisfy consumer demand, and there is desire for these types of sweeteners that have favorable taste characteristics.

Steviais a genus of about 240 species of herbs and shrubs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), native to subtropical and tropical regions from western North America to South America. The speciesStevia rebaudiana, commonly known as sweetleaf, sweet leaf, sugarleaf, or simplystevia, is widely grown for its sweet leaves.Stevia-based sweeteners may be obtained by extracting one or more sweet compounds from the leaves. Many of these compounds are steviol glycosides, which are glycosides of steviol, a diterpene compound. These diterpene glycosides are about 150 to 450 times sweeter than sugar.

Examples of steviol glycosides are described in WO 2013/096420 (see, e.g., listing inFIG. 1); and in Ohta et. al., “Characterization of Novel Steviol Glycosides from Leaves ofStevia rebaudianaMorita,” J. Appl. Glycosi., 57, 199-209 (2010) (See, e.g., Table 4 at p. 204). Structurally, the diterpene glycosides are characterized by a single base, steviol, and differ by the presence of carbohydrate residues at positions C13 and C19. See also PCT Patent Publication WO 20013/096420.

While the major steviol glycoside Reb A is commonly used as sweetener in beverage applications it has off-taste issues. More recently, there has been focus on certain minor steviol glycosides which have better taste properties. For example, rebaudioside M has higher sweetness intensity and is more potent than other steviol glycosides (e.g., see Prakash, I., et al. (2013) Nat. Prod. Commun., 8: 1523-1526, and WO 2013/096420). Rebaudioside D tastes about 200-220 times sweeter than sucrose and in a sensory evaluation it had a slow onset of sweetness and was very clean (e.g., see Prakash, I., et al. (2012) Int. J. Mol. Sci., 13:15126-15136).

Some minor rebaudiosides can be challenging to use because they have less than desirable water solubility properties. For example, it has been reported that Reb D is difficult to use in food products because of its low solubility in water at room temperature. For instance, Reb D needs to be heated to near boiling water temperature for 2 hours in order to achieve complete dissolution at 0.8% concentration. At most only 300 to 450 ppm can be solubilized in water at 230° C. (e.g., see US 2013/0251881). As another example, rebaudioside M obtained fromStevia rebaudianahas poor aqueous solubility and dissolution qualities in beverage formulations (e.g., see US 2014/0171519).

Certain methods to improve rebaudioside solubility are less than desirable because they are labor intensive, requiring high processing temperatures and the use of excipient compounds. For example, see WO 2013148177.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to compositions having a plurality of steviol glycosides. The disclosure also relates to uses of the plurality of steviol glycosides as sweetener compositions, which may be used to prepare sweetened compositions including food, beverages, dental products, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the like. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to sweetener compositions e.g., a solid composition such as a powder or an aqueous liquid composition having combinations of steviol glycosides, including one or more rebaudiosides (Rebs), that are present in specific amounts or concentrations, and uses thereof. The combinations of steviol glycosides may include one or more of dulcoside A, Reb C, Reb A, stevioside, Reb B, Reb D, Reb E, Reb F, Reb G, Reb H, Reb I, Reb J, Reb K, Reb L, Reb M, Reb N, Reb O, steviolbioside, and/or rubusoside (referred to herein as “major steviol glycosides”), and include one or more steviol glycosides that are not one of the major steviol glycosides (e.g., compounds SG101, SG102, SG103 and SG104; see structures below). In one embodiment, each of SG101, SG102, SG103 and SG104, or a combination thereof, is present in a (first) product in an amount that provides for sensory modification (a “sensory modifying” amount) relative to a (second) product that lacks at least one of SG101, SG102, SG103 and SG104. For example, a product with Reb M, Reb D, or Reb D and Reb M, and one or more of compounds SG101-104, has at least one different sensory characteristic relative to a product with only Reb M, Reb D, or Reb M and Reb D, respectively. In one embodiment, the product is a sweetener composition. The sweetener composition may be used to prepare sweetened compositions including food, beverages, dental products, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and the like.

A sensory modifier is a compound or composition that changes the sensory characteristics of a sweetened consumable, e.g., a sweetener composition, a beverage, a food product, and the like. Non-limiting examples of sensory characteristics that a sensory modifier can change include bitterness, sourness, numbness, astringency, metallic-ness, cloyingness, dryness, sweetness, temporal aspects of sweetness, as well as flavor notes such as licorice, vanilla, prune, cotton candy, and molasses flavor notes. The sensory modifier may enhance a sensory characteristic, such as enhancing sweetness; may suppress a sensory characteristic, such as reducing bitterness; or may change the temporal aspects of a sensory characteristic, e.g., by reducing sweetness lingering.

In one embodiment, the composition includes a sensory modifying amount of one or more of compounds SG101-104 having the following structures:

Compounds SG101-104 may be obtained, individually, in isolated and purified form. The isolated compound(s) may then be combined with other compounds, including other steviol glycosides. Compounds SG101-104 may also be produced in a mixture with each other and optionally with other steviol glycosides or other components. Thus, in some embodiments, a mixture of one or more of SG101-104 may be purified from the other steviol glycosides or other components, or the mixture can include one or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides (e.g., Reb M and/or Reb D), that are different from compounds SG101-104.

Accordingly, other embodiments are directed to sweetener compositions comprising a sensory modifying amount of one or more of compound(s) SG101-104, with one or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides, e.g., rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A and/or rebaudioside B, or other sweeteners, e.g., non-nutritive sweeteners or nutritive sweeteners such as erythritol, maltose, honey, sucrose, and the like. In one embodiment, one or more of compounds SG101-104 and one or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides, e.g., major steviol glycosides including rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A and/or rebaudioside B, are in a sweetener composition. In one embodiment, one or more of compound(s) SG101-104 and two or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides, e.g., major steviol glycosides including rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A and/or rebaudioside B, are in a sweetener composition. In one embodiment, one or more of compounds SG101-104 and one or more other component(s), such as sweeteners other than steviol glycosides, e.g., non-nutritive sweeteners or nutritive sweeteners such as erythritol, maltose, sucrose, honey and the like, can be used in a beverage. In one embodiment, one or more of compound(s) SG101-104 can be used used in a beverage.

Other embodiments are directed to sweetener compositions comprising one or more of compound(s) SG101-104, optionally with one or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides, e.g., rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A and/or rebaudioside B, or other sweeteners, e.g., non-nutritive sweeteners or nutritive sweeteners such as erythritol, maltose, honey, sucrose, and the like. In one embodiment, a sweetener composition has one or more of SG101-SG104 present in an amount with a sucrose equivalent value (SEV) of less than about 1.5, less than about 1.0 or less than about 0.5. In one embodiment, a sweetener composition has one or more of SG101-104 present in an amount with a sucrose equivalent value of greater than about 1.5, greater than about 3, greater than about 5 or more.

In some embodiments, a composition including one or more of SG101-104 can be used as a sweetener, i.e., one or more of compounds SG101-104 are used at a concentration resulting in a SEV greater than 1.5 in a beverage or other sweetened composition. In some embodiments, a composition including one or more of SG101-104 has a SEV of greater than about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 when used at a concentration of 1,500 ppm or less, 1,000 or less, 800 or less, 600 or less, 500 or less or 400 or less.

Sweetness may be determined by measuring sucrose equivalent values (SEV) using methods and processes well known to those skilled in the art. For example, SEV may be determined by measuring sweetness equivalence to a reference sucrose solution. Typically, taste panelists are trained to detect and scale sweetness of reference sucrose solutions containing between 10 g to 150 g/kg sucrose. A sweetener composition containing one or more glycosides are then tasted at a series of dilutions to determine the concentration of the sweetener composition that is as sweet as a given sucrose reference. For example, if a sweetener composition is as sweet as 50 g/kg of sucrose solution in a citric acid buffer at pH 3.1, then the sweetener composition is assigned a SEV of 5.

Other embodiments are directed to methods of modifying sensory characteristics of a composition suitable for oral ingestion or oral use. The method includes adding a sensory modifying amount of one or more of compounds SG101-104, along with one or more other steviol glycosides (e.g., rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A and/or rebaudioside B), or other sweeteners, to a material or composition suitable for oral ingestion or use. Accordingly, a composition is provided that is suitable for oral ingestion or oral use comprising one or more of compounds SG101-104, a composition such as beverages, beverage concentrates, frozen beverage, powders, foodstuffs, confections, condiments, chewing gum, dairy products, sweeteners, pharmaceutical compositions, and dental compositions. Other embodiments are directed to methods of modifying sensory characteristics of a composition suitable for oral ingestion or oral use. The method includes adding a sensory modifying amount of two or more of compounds SG101-104 along with one or more other steviol glycosides or other sweeteners, either non-nutritive sweeteners or nutritive sweeteners.

Yet another embodiment is directed to fermentation media comprising one or more of compound(s) SG101-104, optionally with one or more other component(s), such as other steviol glycosides, e.g., Reb M and/or Reb D. A recombinant host cell can be used to metabolically produce one or more of compound(s) SG101-104. The fermentation media can be enriched in these steviol glycosides or refined to select for certain steviol glycosides.

In one embodiment, an aqueous or solid composition is provided having one or more of rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside Q, rebaudioside N, or stevioside, and one or more of compounds SG101-104. At least one of the glycosides in the composition has a higher or equal molecular weight than rebaudioside M. In one embodiment the composition is a sweetener composition. In one embodiment, the composition is a beverage. In one embodiment, the pH of the beverage that includes one or more of compounds SG101-SG104 may be in the range of 1.8 to 10, 2 to 5, or 2.5 to 4.2.

In one embodiment, an aqueous or solid composition is provided having one or more of rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, and one or more of compounds SG101-SG104. In one embodiment, an aqueous or solid composition is provided having Reb M, Reb D or Reb M and Reb D, and one or more of compounds SG101-SG104. In one embodiment the composition is a sweetener composition. In one embodiment, the composition is a beverage. In one embodiment, the pH of the beverage that includes one or more of compounds SG101-SG104 may be in the range of 1.8 to 10, 2 to 5, or 2.5 to 4.2.

In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, or other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, or other than Reb B and/or Reb D, including for example one or more of compounds SG101-104 are present in a sweetener composition at about 0.01 to 100 wt % of the total glycoside content of the sweetener composition. In other embodiments, one or more of compounds SG101-104 are present in a sweetener composition at about 0.05 to 70 wt %, e.g., about 0.1 to 50 wt %, 0.5 to 70 wt %, 1 to 50 wt %, 1 to 35 wt %, 2 to 25 wt %, 3 to 20 wt %, 5 to 15 wt %, 0.1 to 15 wt %, 0.5 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 5 wt %. In other embodiments, one or more of compounds SG101-104 are present in a sweetener composition or beverage at about 0.01 to 100 wt %, e.g., about 0.05 to 70 wt %, 0.1 to 50 wt %, 0.5 to 70 wt %, 1 to 50 wt %, 1 to 35 wt %, 2 to 25 wt %, 3 to 20 wt %, 5 to 15 wt %, 0.1 to 15 wt %, 0.5 to 10 wt %, or 1 to 5 wt %, of the total steviol glycoside content of the composition. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, or other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, or other than Reb B and/or Reb D, for example one or more compounds SG101-104, are at a weight ratio of the total of all other glycosides in a liquid composition, such as a beverage or concentrate, or a dry solid, of 1:1 to 1:20, 1:1.5 to 1:15, 1:2 to 1:10, 1:2.5 to 1:7.5, or 1:3 to 1:5.

Steviol glycosides can also be included in a concentrated syrup that can be used to make a beverage, also referred to as a “throw syrup.” In some embodiments, the steviol glycoside content is 2 to 10, 3 to 7, 4 to 6, or about 5 times greater in the syrup concentrate than the desired concentration of the finished beverage. Accordingly, the total steviol glycoside content, the content of any single major steviol glycoside, and/or the content of any one of SG101-104, in a syrup concentrate can be in the range of about 100 to 15,000 ppm, 500 to 12,500 ppm, 1,000 to 10,000 ppm, 1,500 to 7,500 ppm, 2,000 to 6,000 ppm, 2,000 to 4,200 ppm, or 2,400 to 3,600 ppm. In some embodiments, the content of any of compounds SG101-104, or the total content of the combination of compounds SG101-104, in the syrup concentrate is at least at least 5 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm, or 1,000 ppm.

Other embodiments are directed to providing or enhancing sweetness to a composition suitable for oral ingestion or oral use comprising adding one or more of the compounds SG101-104, such as along with one or more other steviol glycosides (e.g., Reb M and/or Reb D), to a material or composition suitable for oral ingestion or use. Accordingly the disclosure also provides a composition suitable for oral ingestion or oral use comprising one or more of the compounds SG101-104, compositions such as beverages, beverage concentrates, frozen beverage, powders, foodstuffs, confections, condiments, chewing gum, dairy products, sweeteners, pharmaceutical compositions, and dental compositions.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for enhancing the solubility of a steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition. The method comprises a step of providing an aqueous composition comprising at least first and second steviol glycosides. The second steviol glycoside is different than the first steviol glycoside and has a solubility in an aqueous composition (that lacks the first steviol glycoside) that is lower than its solubility in an aqueous composition that includes the first steviol glycoside. Compounds SG101-104 may exemplify the first steviol glycoside. As an example, the solubility of the first and second steviol glycosides can be enhanced by producing the first and second glycosides together, such as by a recombinant organism under fermentation conditions. As another example, the solubility of the first and/or second steviol glycosides can be enhanced by adding the first steviol glycoside to a composition that has the second steviol glycoside.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides another method for enhancing the solubility of a steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition. The method includes a step of providing an aqueous composition comprising first and second steviol glycosides, wherein the second steviol glycoside is selected from the group consisting of Reb A, Reb B, Reb M, Reb D, Reb I, Reb Q, Reb N, and stevioside. The first steviol glycoside is different from the second steviol glycoside (such as, for example, having a higher or equal molecular weight than the Reb M), and the second steviol glycoside has a solubility in an aqueous composition that lacks the first steviol glycoside that is lower than a solubility of the second steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition that includes the first steviol glycoside.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides a method for enhancing the solubility of a steviol glycoside in a composition. The method includes a step of providing a composition comprising a first composition having a first steviol glycoside and a second composition having a second steviol glycoside, wherein the second steviol glycoside may be one or more of Reb A, Reb B, Reb M, Reb D, Reb I, Reb Q, Reb N, or stevioside. The first steviol glycoside is different from the second steviol glycoside (such as, for example, having a higher or equal molecular weight than the Reb M), and the second steviol glycoside has a solubility in an aqueous composition that lacks the first steviol glycoside that is lower than a solubility of the second steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition that includes the first steviol glycoside.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather a purpose of the embodiments chosen and described is so that the appreciation and understanding by others skilled in the art of the principles and practices of the present invention can be facilitated.

For example, some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to compositions having a sensory modifying amount of one or more of compounds SG101-104 (having the structures set out above). Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of SG101-104 can be used as a sensory modifier. In one embodiment, one or more of SG101-104, when present in a sweetener composition, beverage, food product, etc., provide for sensory modification are present at a level below a sweetening threshold. In one respect, such a sensory modification may be present in the consumable at a concentration that produces a SEV of about 1.5 or less, 1.0 or less, or 0.5 or less in water. For example, one or more of SG101-104 having a SEV of 1.5 or less at a concentration of 500 ppm in water can be a sensory modifier when used at a concentration of about 400 ppm to 500 ppm or less in the sweetener.

In one embodiment, the steviol glycoside is present in an amount that modifies the temporal aspects of a sensory characteristic. The temporal aspects of a sensory characteristic refers to the perception of the characteristic over time. This includes the onset time of the characteristic, i.e., the time it takes to reach peak of the characteristic. It also includes the linger time of the characteristic, i.e., the time from a peak of the sensory characteristic to a level where it is no longer perceived. The temporal aspects may also include a time-intensity profile showing the perceived sweetness as a function of time. These characteristics can all contribute to a temporal profile for the sensory characteristic.

Thus, in some embodiments, one or more of SG101-SG104 can be used as a sensory modifier. A sensory modifier is a compound or composition that in certain amounts changes the sensory characteristics of a sweetened consumable, e.g., a sweetener composition, a beverage, a food product, etc. Non-limiting examples of sensory characteristics that a sensory modifier can change include bitterness, sourness, numbness, astringency, metallic-ness, cloyingness, dryness, sweetness, temporal aspects of sweetness, as well as flavor notes, such as licorice, vanilla, prune, cotton candy, and molasses flavor notes. The sensory modifier may enhance a sensory characteristic, such as enhancing sweetness; may suppress a sensory characteristic, such as reducing bitterness; or may change the temporal aspects of a sensory characteristic, e.g., by reducing sweetness lingering. In some embodiments, the amount employed in a composition having a plurality of steviol glycosides that include at least one of SG101-104 alters at least one sensory characteristic, e.g., the combination may have reduced bitterness or increased sweetness compared to one or more of the steviol glycosides in the composition, which results in the sensory characteristic in the composition being better than expected. In one embodiment, one or more of SG101-104 described herein, when present in a sweetener composition, beverage, food product, etc., provide for sensory modification when present at a level below a sweetening threshold. In one respect, such a sensory modification may be present in the consumable at a concentration that produces an SEV of about 1.5 or less, 1.0 or less, or 0.5 or less in water. For example, one or more of SG101-104 having a SEV of 1.5 or less at a concentration of 500 ppm in water can be a flavor modifier when used at a concentration of 500 ppm or less in the sweetener composition.

The sweetness temporal profile of sucrose is deemed highly desirable. The sweetness of some non-nutritive sweeteners, including rebaudioside A, is deemed “sharper” than sucrose in that it has a faster sweetness onset, i.e., it reaches the peak sweetness more swiftly and has a shorter onset time. Such fast-onset sweeteners may also be referred to as “spiky”. Some non-nutritive sweeteners may have a sweetness that lingers longer than sucrose, i.e., the flavor takes longer to dissipate from peak sweetness to a level where sweetness is no longer perceived. A sweetener composition that has a sweetness temporal profile closer to that of sucrose is deemed more desirable. Thus, in one embodiment, one or more of SG101-104 in a composition provides for enhanced sweetness.

A sensory modifier may also have a synergistic effect on the intensity of a sensory characteristic when used in combination with one or more other compounds. A synergistic effect means that the combination of compounds has an enhanced (more than additive) effect on the sensory characteristic when compared to the sensory characteristic of the compounds separately. As a simple example, if rebaudioside A has a sucrose equivalent value (SEV) of 5 at a concentration of 400 ppm in a beverage and the sensory modifier has an SEV of 1 at a concentration of 400 ppm in the beverage, a 50/50 composition of Reb A and the sensory modifier at 400 ppm in a beverage (i.e., 200 ppm Reb A and 200 ppm of the sensory modifier) would be expected to have a SEV of 3. However, the sensory modifier is deemed to have a synergistic sweetening effect if the beverage has a SEV greater than 3 with Reb A at 200 ppm and the sensory modifier at 200 ppm. A sensory modifier can have a synergistic effect on any sensory characteristic, including characteristics other than sweetness, and can have a synergistic effect on multiple sensory characteristics.

For example, some embodiments of the disclosure are directed to sweetener compositions having a sensory modifying amount of one or more of the following compounds:

In some embodiments, a composition including one or more of SG101-104 can be used as a sweetener, i.e., one or more of compounds SG101-104 are used at a concentration resulting in a SEV greater than 1.5 in a beverage or other sweetened composition. In some embodiments, a composition including one or more of SG101-104 has a SEV of greater than about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 when used at a concentration of 1,500 ppm or less, 1,000 or less, 800 or less, 700 or less, 600 or less, 500 or less, 400 or less, 300 or less, 200 or less, or 100 or less.

Structurally, compounds SG101-104 have a central molecular moiety, which is a single steviol base, and glucopyranosyl residues attached to the C13 and C19 atoms of the steviol base, according to the atom numbering on the base shown below. That is, glucopyranosyl residues represent groups R2 and R1 in the following formula:

Compounds SG101-104 can be characterized by having a first group of four glucopyranose residues attached via the number 13 carbon (C13) of the steviol moiety. That is, R2 is a group (first group) having four glucopyranosyl residues. The first group of four glucopyranose residues can have a branched (non-linear) structure, meaning that at least two glucopyranose residues are connected to a single glucopyranose residue. Compounds SG101-104 can also be characterized by having a second group of two or three glucopyranose residues attached via the number 19 carbon (C19) of the steviol moiety. That is, R1 is a group having two or three glucopyranosyl residues. The second group of two or three glucopyranose residues can have a linear or branched structure. In this regard, the compounds can be characterized as having a total of six glucopyranose residue (as in compounds SG101 and SG102), or a total of seven glucopyranose residues (as in compounds SG103 and SG104).

The molecular weight of the fully protonated forms of compounds SG101 and SG103 (C56H90033) is 1291.29, and the molecular weight of the fully protonated forms of compounds SG102 and SG104 (C62H100038) is 1453.43.

Glucopyranose units of the first and second groups can be described in relation to their positions relative to the steviol moiety, using terms such as primary, secondary, tertiary, etc. For example, in the first group (R2), an ether linkage can attach the 1C of the primary glucopyranose residue to the C13 of the steviol moiety. A secondary glucopyranose residue can be attached to the primary glucopyranose. That is, one glucopyranose residue can be present between the secondary glucopyranose residue and the C13 of the steviol moiety. Compounds SG103 and SG104 exemplify compounds having two secondary glucopyranose residues attached to the primary glucopyranose residue. Compounds SG101 and SG102 exemplify compounds having three secondary glucopyranose residues attached to the primary glucopyranose residues. A tertiary glucopyranose residue can be attached to a secondary glucopyranose. That is, two glucopyranose residues can be present between a tertiary glucopyranose residue and the C13 of the steviol moiety. Compounds SG103 and SG104 exemplify compounds having one tertiary glucopyranose residue attached to a secondary glucopyranose residue.

Glucopyranose units of the first group (R2) can also be described by their chemical linkages to each other. Chemical linkages in the first group can include 1→2 glycosidic, 1→3 glycosidic linkage, and 1→6 glycosidic linkages. Compounds SG101 and SG102 exemplify compounds having 1→2 glycosidic, 1→3 glycosidic linkage, and 1→6 glycosidic linkages between the secondary glucopyranose residues and the primary glucopyranose residue. Compounds SG103 and SG104 exemplify compounds having 1→2 glycosidic, and 1→3 glycosidic linkage, between the secondary glucopyranose residues and the primary glucopyranose residue, and a 1→6 glycosidic linkage between the tertiary glucopyranose residue and a secondary glucopyranose residue.

In the second group (R1), an ether linkage can attach the 1C of the primary glucopyranose residue to the C19 of the steviol moiety. One or more secondary glucopyranose(s) residue can be attached to the primary glucopyranose in the second group. Compounds SG101 and SG103 exemplify compounds having one secondary glucopyranose residue attached to the primary glucopyranose residue. Compounds SG102 and SG104 exemplify compounds having two secondary glucopyranose residues attached to the primary glucopyranose residues.

Glucopyranose units of the second group (R1) can also be described by their chemical linkages to each other. Chemical linkages in the second group can include 1→2 glycosidic and 1→3 glycosidic linkage linkages. Compounds SG101 and SG103 exemplify compounds having 1→2 glycosidic linkages, and compounds SG102 and SG104 exemplify compounds having 1→2 glycosidic and 1→3 glycosidic linkages, between the secondary glucopyranose residue(s) and the primary glucopyranose residue.

In some modes of practice, compounds SG101-104 can be produced in a fermentation process. For example, the fermentation process can use a genetically modified organism that is engineered for the production of one or more steviol glycosides, such as Reb M and Reb D. In particular, production of one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be carried out using an engineered microbial strain having a set of enzymes that provide a pathway for the synthesis of one or more of compounds SG101-104. One or more other steviol glycosides that are different than compounds SG101-104 can also be produced by the engineered microbial strains or enzymatic preparations from the engineered microbial strains.

In one embodiment, an engineered yeast useful for the production of steviol glycosides expresses the following enzymes: geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase (CDPS), kaurene oxidase (KO), kaurene synthase (KS); steviol synthase (KAH), cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), UGT74G1, UGT76G1, UGT91D2, UGT85C2 and a EUGT11. WO2014/122227 describes an engineered yeast strain that express these enzymes. The UDP-glucosyltransferases can be a gene encoding a polypeptide for example, UGT74G1, UGT85C2, UGT76G1, UGT91D2, and a EUGT11; these genes encode polypeptides capable of carrying out a number of reactions such as a) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of beta 1,2 glucosylation of the C2′ of the 19-O glucose of a steviol glycoside; (b) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of beta 1,2 glucosylation of the C2′ of the 13-O-glucose of a steviol glycoside; (c) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of beta 1,3 glucosylation of the C3′ of the 19-O-glucose of a steviol glycoside; (d) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of beta 1,3 glucosylation of the C3′ of the 13-O-glucose of a steviol glycoside; (i) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of glucosylation of the 13-OH of steviol or a steviol glycoside;(j) a gene encoding a polypeptide capable of glucosylation of the C-19 carboxyl of steviol or a steviol glycoside. For example, UGT85C2 carries out reaction (i); UGT74G1 carries out reaction (j); UGT91D2 carries out reactions (a; weakly), (b); UGT76G1 carries out reactions (c) and (d) EUGT11 carries out reactions (a), (b; less well).

Fermentation can be carried out under conditions and in medium suitable for production of compounds SG101-104. Other steviol glycosides can be produced by the engineered microbe, such as rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A, and rebaudioside B. Compounds SG101-104 can be produced in amounts less than the amounts of steviol glycosides such as rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D. Fermentation conditions generally use oxygen (aerobic conditions), a lower pH, a carbon source, and a nutrient (nitrogen) base. Fermentation can be carried out using a fed batch or continuous process.

Fermentation can be carried out using a first growth phase in base medium, followed by a longer feeding phase using a glucose-containing defined feed medium (with trace metals, vitamins, and salts). The fermentation minimal medium includes glucose (5 g/L), ammonium sulfate (5 g/L), potassium dihydrogenphosphate (3 g/L), magnesium sulphate (0.5 g/L), trace elements, and vitamins (e.g., see, Verduyn, C. et al. (1992) Yeast 8, 501-517). The pH of the fermentation media can kept at about pH 5 and the temperature at about 30° C.

Optionally, fermentation can be carried out in media containing steviol(s). Using this media, the microorganism contains and expresses genes encoding a functional EUGT1 1, a functional UGT74G1, a functional UGT85C2, a functional UGT76G1, and a functional UGT91 D2. Compounds SG101-104, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside D, and rebaudioside M may be obtained from the fermentation media.

As another option, preparation of one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be carried out using an enzyme preparation from one or more genetically engineered organism(s), such as an organism described herein. For example, in one mode of practice, a genetically engineered microbe expressing geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), ent-copalyl diphosphate synthase (CDPS), kaurene oxidase (KO), kaurene synthase (KS); steviol synthase (KAH), cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), UGT74G1, UGT76G1, UGT85C2, UGT91 d2, and EUGT11 enzymes is used to make an enzyme composition. For example, the organism can be treated with reagents that disrupt cell membranes to release the enzymes into a composition, or if enzymes are secreted into a growth media for the organism, the media can be used to prepare the composition. The enzyme-containing composition is then contacted with one or more precursor compounds (e.g., a steviol glycoside precursor) which is subjected to at least one enzymatic reaction, or typically multiple enzymatic reactions through a series of intermediates, to provide a composition that includes one or more of compounds SG101-104.

Alternatively, an enzyme composition is prepared by combining cellular extracts from multiple engineered organisms, each organism expressing less than a desired number of enzymes (e.g., one or two) for the enzymatic conversion of a steviol glycoside precursor to one or more of compounds SG101-104. Extracts from the multiple organisms can be combined for preparation of the enzymatic composition.

Following a period of fermentation, a composition containing steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be obtained from the culture media using various techniques. In some embodiments, a compound such as permeabilizing agent can be added to the fermentation media to enhance removal of the steviol glycosides from the cell and into the media.

The fermentation media can then be centrifuged or filtered to remove the engineered cells. The fermentation media can optionally be treated to remove low molecular weight components (glucose, basic nutrients, and salts), such as by membrane dialysis. Depending on a desired use, a composition comprising one or more of compounds SG101-104, optionally with other steviol glycosides, can be used.

If it is desired to provide a composition with steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104 in enriched or purified form, or where one or more of compounds SG101-104 are separated from other steviol glycosides, or separated from one another, further purification can be carried out. Such enrichment or purification of steviol glycoside components can be carried out on liquid fermentation media, or the fermentation media can then be dried down prior to purification. For example, fermentation media can be dried down using lyophilization to form a dry composition (e.g., powder or flakes) including steviol glycosides with one or more of compounds SG101-104 that can be subsequently processed.

In some modes of practice, dried fermentation broth enriched for steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104, is used as the starting material for purification. For example, a solvent or solvent combination can be added to the dried fermentation broth to dissolve or suspend material that includes the steviol glycosides. An exemplary combination for dissolving the steviol glycosides is a mixture of water and an alcohol (e.g., 50:50 ethanol:water). To facilitate dissolving or suspending, the dried broth materials can be heated at a temperature above room temperature, such as in the range of 40° C.-60° C. Mechanical disruption of the dried broth materials can also be performed, such as by sonication. The dissolved or suspended broth materials can be filtered using a micron or sub-micron prior to further purification, such as by preparative chromatography.

Dried fermentation broth enriched for steviol glycoside compounds can be subjected to purification, such as by reverse phase liquid chromatography. A suitable resin can be used to retain steviol glycoside compounds in the column, with removal of hydrophilic compounds which get washed through the column with a liquid such as water. Elution of steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104 from the column can be accomplished a suitable solvent or solvent combination such as acetonitrile or methanol.

Elution of steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104 from a reverse phase column can yield a composition which can be useful for any one of a variety of purposes. For example, a purified composition with one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be used as a sweetener composition for oral ingestion or oral use. The composition can be defined with regards to the steviol glycosides in the composition.

For example, one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be defined with regards to the “total steviol glycosides” present in the composition. The “total steviol glycosides” refers all the steviol glycosides present in the composition, including compounds SG101-104, and steviol glycosides that are different than compounds SG101-104. Total steviol glycosides can be defined in terms of steviol glycoside type and amount.

Exemplary steviol glycosides that are different than compounds SG101-104 include, but are not limited to, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside N, and stevioside. These other steviol glycosides may be produced in a fermentation process along with compounds SG101-104. The amounts of steviol glycosides in the composition can be expressed in relation to one another, or to the total amount of steviol glycosides, such as by a weight percentage of the total amount of steviol glycosides, or a ratio, or range of ratios, expressed as weight percent, or molar percent. For example, amounts of one or more of SG101-104 may range from 0.01 wt % to 0.5 wt %, 0.5 wt % to 2.5 wt %, 2.5 wt % to 10 wt %, 10 wt % to 15 wt %, 15 wt % to 25 wt % or more.

Total steviol glycosides (TSG) is calculated as the sum of the content of all steviol glycosides in a composition on a dry (anhydrous) basis. Unless expressed herein otherwise, an “amount” of steviol glycoside will refer to the percentage by weight (% wt) of the steviol glycoside, or combination thereof.

In some preparations, any one of compounds SG101-104 is present in the composition in the range of about 0.05% to about 5% (wt) of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. Compound SG101 may be the most abundant of compounds SG101-104, and can be present in the range of about 2% to about 4.5%, about 3% to about 4.25%, or about 3.5% to about 4.0% of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. Compound SG104 may be the least abundant of compounds SG101-104, and may be present in the range of about 0.05% to about 1%, about 0.1% to about 0.5%, or about 0.15% to about 0.25% of the total amount of steviol glycosides in the composition. Compounds SG102-103 can present in amounts, individually, between the amounts of compounds SG101 and SG104, such as in the range of about 0.1% to about 1.5%, about 0.25% to about 0.1%, or about 0.4% to about 0.8% of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition.

The combined amount of compounds SG101-104 can also be expressed in relation to the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. For example the combined amount of compounds SG101-104, may be present in the range of about 0.01 to 50%, about 0.05 to 40%, about 0.1 to 25%, about 0.5% to about 10%, about 1% to about 8%, about 2% to about 7%, about 4% to about 6%, about 0.001 to 10%, about 0.001 to 5%, about 0.001 to 1%, or about 0.1 to 3%, of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. In one embodiment, combined amounts of compounds SG101-104 may be in the range of 0.001% to 50%, 0.01% to 30%, 0.1 to 10%, 0.5 to 5%, 0.01 to 1%, 0.1 to 5% or 0.15 to 0.25% of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition or of the total of Reb M and Reb D, or Reb M, Reb D, Reb A, and Reb B. Any combinations of two or more of SG101-104 can be used in a sweetener composition or sweetened composition, including, e.g., SG101 and SG102; SG101 and SG103; SG101 and SG104; SG102 and SG103; SG102 and SG104; SG103 and SG104; SG101, SG102 and SG103; SG101, SG102 and SG104; SG102, SG103 and SG104; or SG101, SG102, SG103 and SG104. In some embodiments, individual amounts of one or more of SG101-104 may be in the range of 0.001% to 50%, 0.01 to 30%, 0.1 to 10%, 0.5 to 5%, 0.001 to 1%, 0.01 to 5%, 0.1 to 3%, 0.1 to 0.5%, or 0.15 to 0.25% of a sweetener composition or the total glycoside content of the sweetener composition. In some embodiments, SG101-104 can be included in an amount of at least 0.0001%, 0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95%, in a sweetener composition or of the total glycoside content of a sweetener composition.

As discussed herein, the composition can include one or more other steviol glycosides that are different than compounds SG101-104, as well as other compounds that are not steviol glycosides. These other steviol glycosides can be retained in a composition if they are not purified away from the compounds SG101-104. For example, other steviol glycosides can be present along with compounds SG101-104 if the other steviol glycosides are produced in a common fermentation process. Exemplary steviol glycosides include those such as rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside N, and/or stevioside. In some embodiments, the steviol glycosides rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D can be produced by an engineered organism as the predominant steviol glycosides, and therefore can represent the major portion of the steviol glycosides in the composition that includes compounds SG101-104. Rebaudioside M or rebaudioside D can, in some embodiments, be present in the composition an amount greater than any one of compounds SG101-104. For example, rebaudioside M or rebaudioside D can be present in an amount in the range of about 10 times to about 500 times, about 25 times to about 250 times, or about 50 times to about 200 times greater than any one of compounds SG101-104.

A steviol glycoside composition that includes one or more of compounds SG101-104 can optionally be expressed in terms of amounts of rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D. For example, rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D can be present in the composition in a total amount of about 90% (wt) or greater, about 92.5% (wt) or greater, or 95% (wt) or greater, of a total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. Rebaudioside M can be the predominant steviol glycoside in the composition, and can be present, for example, in an amount in the range of about 45% to about 70%, about 50% to about 65%, or about 52.5% to about 62.5% of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition. Rebaudioside D can be in an amount less than Rebaudioside M, such as in an amount in the range of about 25% to about 50%, about 30% to about 45%, or about 32.5% to about 42.5% of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition.

The composition can optionally be expressed in terms of amounts of other known steviol glycosides that are present in lower amounts. For example, the composition can include one or more of rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, or stevioside in an amount of about 1% (wt) or less, about 0.5% (wt) or less, or about 0.25% (wt) or less, of a total amount steviol glycosides in the composition.

In some embodiments, the amount of SG101-104 in a sweetener composition or beverage can be expressed as a ratio of the total concentration of SG101, SG102, SG103, and SG104 divided by the total concentration of Reb D and Reb. For example, a composition containing 75 wt % of the total glycosides of SG101 and 25% of the total glycosides of Reb M would have a ratio of 3, while a composition containing 1% of the total glycosides of SG102 and 99% of the total glycosides of Reb D+Reb M would have a ratio of about 0.01. In some embodiments, the composition may include a ratio of any one of SG101-104 to the combination of Reb D and Reb M in the range of 0.0001 to 3.5, 0.01 to 3, 0.01 to 2, 0.01 to 1, 0.01 to 0.75, 0.01 to 0.5, 0.1 to 1, 0.5 to 1, 0.05 to 0.5, 1 to 1.5, 1 to 2, 1 to 2.5, 0.00001 to 1, 0.001 to 1, 0.0001 to 0.5, 0.0001 to 0.4, 0.0001 to 0.3, 0.0001 to 0.2, 0.0001 to 0.1, 0.001 to 0.2, 0.001 to 0.01, or 0.001 to 0.1. In some embodiments, the composition may include a ratio of the combination of SG101-104 to the combination of Reb D and Reb M in the range of 0.0001 to 3.5, 0.01 to 3, 0.01 to 2, 0.01 to 1, 0.01 to 0.75, 0.01 to 0.5, 0.1 to 1, 0.5 to 1, 0.05 to 0.5, 1 to 1.5, 1 to 2, 1 to 2.5, 0.00001 to 1, 0.001 to 1, 0.0001 to 0.5, 0.0001 to 0.4, 0.0001 to 0.3, 0.0001 to 0.2, 0.0001 to 0.1, 0.001 to 0.2, 0.001 to 0.01, or 0.001 to 0.1.

The composition can optionally be expressed in terms of the concentration of one or more steviol glycoside(s). Beneficially, it has been founds that compound(s) SG101-104 can improve solubility of steviol glycosides in an aqueous solution, and therefore compositions can be prepared having a greater concentration of steviol glycosides in solution. As used herein “instantaneous solubility” refers to the solubility of a steviol glycoside, or mixture of steviol glycosides, that are vigorously mixed with deionized water at room temperature (25° C.). As used herein “equilibrium solubility” refers to the solubility of a steviol glycoside, or mixture of steviol glycosides, that are vigorously mixed with deionized water at 80° C. for 15 minutes, cooled to room temperature (25° C.), and then observed up to 4 days. Clear solutions without precipitates are considered soluble. Unless indicated otherwise herein, the term “solubility” refers to “equilibrium solubility.”

In the absence of compound(s) SG101-104, rebaudioside D has a very low instantaneous solubility (less than 0.08% at room temperature) in water. Upon heating to 80° C. for 15 minutes, rebaudioside D has an equilibrium solubility 0.08% for at least 4 days at room temperature. Rebaudioside M has a higher solubility than rebaudioside D. The instantaneous solubility of rebaudioside M is about 0.13%, and its equilibrium solubility is about 0.2% at room temperature.

In experimental studies associated with the disclosure, the addition of one or more of compounds SG101-104, significantly improves the aqueous solubility of rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D in a composition. For example, a steviol glycoside composition having a mixture of rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, and one or more of compounds SG101-104, is at least 0.37% (wt) instantaneously soluble at room temperature in water. In some preparations, composition may contain about 0.14% rebD and about 0.21% rebM in soluble form. It is understood that steviol glycoside other than rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D have poor solubility in an aqueous composition, and therefore, it is also within the scope of the disclosure to use one or more of compounds SG101-104 to improve the solubility of other steviol glycosides other than rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D.

Therefore, the presence of one or more of compound(s) SG101-104 can improve the solubility of one or more steviol glycosides by 5% or greater, 10% or greater, 15% or greater, 20% or greater, 25% or greater, 30% or greater, 35% or greater, 40% or greater, 45% or greater, 50% or greater, 55% or greater, 60% or greater, 65% or greater, or 70% or greater, such as about 75%. While one or more of compound SG101-104 can improve the solubility of one or more other steviol glycosides when the compounds are present in small amounts, for example, less than 6%, of the total amount steviol glycosides in the composition, such as from about 0.5% to about 6%, or about 4% to about 6%, they can be present in amounts greater than 6%, such as greater than 6%, greater than about 8% or greater than about 10%, to provide an even greater enhancement of solubility of steviol glycosides that are different than compounds SG101-104

In some modes of practice, one or more of compounds SG101-104, can be enriched in a composition. The term “enriched” refers to an increase in the amount of one or more of compounds SG101-104, relative to one or more other compounds that are present in a composition. For example, one or more of compounds SG101-104, can be enriched from a fermentation media in which the compounds were produced. In modes of practice, one or more of compounds SG101-104, can be enriched by the reduction or elimination of components that are not steviol glycosides from the fermentation composition, such as by using enrichment methods as described herein. A composition that is enriched for one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be combined with another steviol glycoside composition to improve solubility of those steviol glycosides that are not one or more of compounds SG101-104.

In other modes of practice, one or more of compounds SG101-104, can be enriched in a composition relative to other steviol glycosides. For example, a composition of steviol glycosides can be enriched to increase the amount(s) of one or more of compounds SG101-104 relative to one or more other steviol glycosides in the composition. One or more of compounds SG101-104 may be enriched on the basis of their molecular weight, which can be higher than other steviol glycosides, such as Reb D and Reb M.

In exemplary modes of practice, high pressure liquid chromatography is used to prepare a steviol glycoside composition that is enriched for compound(s) SG101, SG102, SG103 and/or SG104 relative to other steviol glycosides in comparison to the amounts of steviol glycosides produced during fermentation. For example, a steviol glycoside composition can include compounds SG101-104 in an amount greater than 6%, greater than about 8%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 35%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 45%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 55%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 65%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or greater than 99% relative to the total amount of steviol glycosides in the composition.

For example, following an enrichment process, the steviol glycoside composition can have a combined amount of compounds SG101-104 in the range of about 10 to 30%, 0.1 to 5%, 2 to 10%, 5 to 20%, 10 to 20% or 15% to 25% and a combined amount of other steviol glycosides, such as Reb D and Reb M in the range of about 70 to 90%, 75% to 99%, 70% to 95%, 75% to 85%, 80% to 95%, or 85% to 90%.

In yet other modes of practice, one or more of compounds SG101-104 are purified from other steviol glycosides to provide a composition comprising one or more of compounds SG101-104 essentially free of other components (i.e., essentially free of other steviol glycoside and non-steviol glycoside compounds). Such a purified composition can be useful as an additive to other steviol glycoside composition(s), such as to increase the aqueous solubility of the other steviol glycosides to form a composition with higher steviol glycoside concentration. In some embodiments, such a purified composition can be used alone as the only steviol glycoside(s) in a sweetener composition or sweetened composition. In some embodiments, any one of SG101-104 can be used alone as the only steviol glycoside in a sweetener composition or sweetened composition.

Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure provide a method of enhancing the solubility of a steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition which includes a step of providing an aqueous composition comprising first and second steviol glycosides. In the composition the first steviol glycoside has a branched chain of four glucose units attached to a steviol moiety of the first steviol glycoside. Also the second steviol glycoside is different than the first steviol glycoside. For example, in the step of providing, the first steviol glycoside can be produced along with the second steviol glycoside, such as when the first and second steviol glycosides are prepared by an enzymatic process (e.g., within a cell, or in a cell-free system). Alternatively, the first steviol glycoside can be added to a composition that has the second steviol glycoside. The second steviol glycoside has a solubility in an aqueous composition that lacks the first steviol glycoside that is lower than a solubility of the second steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition that includes the first steviol glycoside. In other words, the solubility of the second steviol glycoside increases when the first steviol glycoside is present.

Accordingly, other embodiments of the disclosure provides a method of enhancing the solubility of a steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition comprising a step of providing an aqueous composition comprising first and second steviol glycosides, wherein the second steviol glycoside is selected from the group consisting of rebaudioside A, rebaudioside B, rebaudioside M, rebaudioside D, rebaudioside I, rebaudioside Q, rebaudioside N, and stevioside. For example, in the step of providing, the first steviol glycoside can be produced along with the second steviol glycoside, such as when the first and second steviol glycosides are prepared by an enzymatic process (e.g., within a cell, or in a cell-free system). Alternatively, the first steviol glycoside can be added to a composition that has the second steviol glycoside. The first steviol glycoside is different from the second steviol glycoside, and in one embodiment has a higher molecular weight than rebaudioside M. Compounds SG101-104 exemplify the first steviol glycoside. Also, the second steviol glycoside has a solubility in an aqueous composition that lacks the first steviol glycoside that is lower than a solubility of the second steviol glycoside in an aqueous composition that includes the first steviol glycoside. In other words, the solubility of the second steviol glycoside increases when the first steviol glycoside is present.

Compounds SG101-104 can be purified using with preparative liquid chromatography, such as high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) or ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A steviol glycoside composition with one or more of compounds SG101-104 can be dissolved in a mobile phase, such as a mixture of water and an alcohol (e.g., methanol) at a desired ratio (e.g., 60% water, 40% methanol, v/v). The composition can also be heated to enhance dissolution of the steviol glycoside material, such as heating at about 50° C. The solution can also be filtered prior to injection into the column, such as using a 0.2 μm filter. Phenomenex Kinetex XB-C18 5 μm, core-shell silica solid support, and stationary phase of C18 with iso-butyl side chains and TMS endcapping. The flow rate through the column can be based on column properties (such as about 20 mL/min), with a maximum pressure of 400 bar. Compounds SG101-104 can be identified by their elution times from the column. In exemplary flow conditions compounds SG101-104 can elute from the column within 60 minutes. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the elution times for the Compounds SG101-104 can vary with changes in solvent and/or equipment. Those experienced in art will also understand that although the process described below assumes certain order of the described steps, this order can be altered in some cases.

Sweetener compositions (also referred to as sweetening compositions), as used herein, refers to compositions that include two or more steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. For example, a sweetener composition can include compound(s) SG101, SG102, SG103 and/or SG104 along with another steviol glycoside such as Reb M and/or Reb D. If multiple steviol glycosides are present in the sweetener compositions, in some embodiments compounds SG101-104 can be present in amounts in the composition of, for example, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, or less than about 10%, of the total amount of steviol glycosides in the composition. One or more other steviol glycoside(s) such as Reb M and/or Reb D can be present in a greater amount in the composition, such as greater than about 75%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or greater than about 99% of the total amount of steviol glycosides in the composition.

In one embodiment, one or more of SG101-104, e.g., components other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, or other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A or other than Reb D and/or Reb M, including for example one or more compounds of SG101-104, are present in a sweetener composition at about 0.05 to 70 wt % of the total content of the sweetener composition, e.g., about 0.1 to 50, 0.5 to 70, 1 to 50, 1 to 35, 2 to 25, 3 to 20, 5 to 15, 0.1 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 1 to 5%, etc. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, including for example one or more compounds SG101-104, are at a weight ratio of the total of all other glycosides of 1:1 to 1:20, 1:1.5 to 1:15, 1:2 to 1:10, 1:2.5 to 1:7.5, or 1:3 to 1:5.

The sweetener composition can optionally include another sweetener, an additive, a liquid carrier, or combinations thereof. Sweetener compositions are used to sweeten other compositions (sweetenable compositions) such as foods, beverages, medicines, oral hygiene compositions, nutraceuticals, and the like.

Sweetenable compositions, as used herein, mean substances which are contacted with the mouth of man or animal, including substances which are taken into but subsequently ejected from the mouth (such as a mouthwash rinse) and substances which are drunk, eaten, swallowed or otherwise ingested, and are suitable for human or animal consumption when used in a generally acceptable range. Sweetenable compositions are precursor compositions to sweetened compositions and are converted to sweetened compositions by combining the sweetenable compositions with at least one sweetening composition and optionally one or more other sweetenable compositions and/or other ingredients.

Sweetened compositions, as used herein, mean substances that are derived from constituents including at least one sweetenable composition and at least one sweetener composition. In some modes of practice, a sweetened composition may be used itself as a sweetening composition to sweeten still yet further sweetenable compositions. In some modes of practice, a sweetened composition may be used as a sweetenable composition that is further sweetened with one or more additional sweetening compositions. For example, a beverage with no sweetener component is a type of sweetenable composition. A sweetener composition comprising at least one of compounds SG101-104, optionally along with another steviol glycoside, such as Reb M and/or Reb D, can be added to the un-sweetened beverage, thereby providing a sweetened beverage. The sweetened beverage is a type of sweetened composition.

In some preparations, steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, provide the sole sweetener component in a sweetening composition.

In some embodiments, a sweetening composition comprises steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, in an amount effective to provide a sweetness strength equivalent to a specified amount of sucrose. The amount of sucrose in a reference solution may be described in degrees Brix (° Bx). One degree Brix is 1 gram of sucrose in 100 grams of solution and represents the strength of the solution as percentage by weight (% w/w). For example, a sweetener composition contains one or more steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, in an amount effective to provide a sweetness equivalent from about 0.50 to 14 degrees Brix of sugar when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, from about 5 to about 11 degrees Brix, from about 4 to about 7 degrees Brix, or about 5 degrees Brix.

The amount of steviol glycosides in the sweetener composition may vary. Steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, can be present in a sweetener composition in any amount to impart the desired sweetness when the sweetener composition is incorporated into a sweetened composition. For example, Reb M and/or Reb D, along with one or more of compounds SG101-104, are present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide total steviol glycoside concentration from about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, In another embodiment, the steviol glycosides are present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a steviol glycoside concentration in the range of about 10 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, more specifically about 10 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 50 ppm to about 800 ppm, about 50 ppm to about 600 ppm, or about 200 ppm to about 500 ppm.

In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, or other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, or other than Reb D and/or Reb M including for example one or more compounds SG101-104, are present in a sweetened composition at about 0.05 to 70 wt % of the total content of the sweetener composition; e.g., about 0.1 to 50, 0.5 to 70, 1 to 50, 1 to 35, 2 to 25, 3 to 20, 5 to 15, 0.1 to 15, 0.5 to 10, 1 to 5%, etc. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, or other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A or other than Reb D and/or Reb M, including, for example, one or more compounds SG101-104, are at a weight ratio of the total of all other glycosides of 1:1 to 1:20, 1:1.5 to 1:15, 1:2 to 1:10, 1:2.5 to 1:7.5, or 1:3 to 1:5, in a sweetened composition.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, ppm is on a weight basis.

In some embodiments, a sweetener composition having the steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, also contain one or more additional non-steviol glycoside sweetener compound(s). The non-steviol glycoside sweetener compounds can be any type of sweetener, for example, a sweetener obtained from a plant or plant product, or a physically or chemically modified sweetener obtained from a plant, or a synthetic sweetener.

The steviol glycosides (including compounds SG101-104), and carbohydrate sweetener may be present in any weight ratio, such as, for example, from about 1:14,000 to about 100:1, such as, for example, about 1:100. Carbohydrates are present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 100 ppm to about 140,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.

In other embodiments, the sweetener composition including the steviol glycosides (including compounds SG101-104), additionally include one or more synthetic sweeteners. In one embodiment, a synthetic has a sweetness potency greater than sucrose, fructose, and/or glucose, yet has less calories than sucrose, fructose, and/or glucose. Exemplary synthetic non-steviol glycoside sweeteners include include sucralose, potassium acesulfame, acesulfame acid and salts thereof, aspartame, alitame, saccharin and salts thereof, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, cyclamate, cyclamic acid and salts thereof, neotame, advantame, glycosylated steviol glycosides (GSGs) and combinations thereof. In embodiments where the sweetener composition includes the steviol glycosides (including compounds SG101-104) and synthetic sweetener, the synthetic sweetener can be present in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.3 ppm to about 3,500 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage.

The sweetener compositions can be customized to provide a desired calorie content. For example, sweetener compositions can be “full-calorie”, such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, a beverage) and have about 120 calories per 8 oz serving. Alternatively, sweetener compositions can be “mid-calorie”, such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, as beverage) and have less than about 60 calories per 8 oz serving. In other embodiments, sweetener compositions can be “low-calorie”, such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, as beverage) and have less than 40 calories per 8 oz serving. In still other embodiments, the sweetener compositions can be “zero-calorie,” such that they impart the desired sweetness when added to a sweetenable composition (such as, for example, a beverage) and have less than 5 calories per 8 oz. serving. Non-calorie compositions are “non-nutritive.” In some embodiments, low calorie compositions can also be referred to as “non-nutritive.”

The weight ratio of the total amount of sweetener compositions used to sweeten a sweetened composition can vary over a wide range. In many embodiments, this weight ratio is in the range from 1:10,000 to 10:1.

In addition to the steviol glycosides (including compounds SG101-104) the sweetener compositions can optionally include a liquid carrier, binder matrix, additional additives, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the sweetener composition contains additives including, but not limited to, carbohydrates, polyols, amino acids and their corresponding salts, poly-amino acids and their corresponding salts, sugar acids and their corresponding salts, nucleotides, organic acids, inorganic acids, organic salts including organic acid salts and organic base salts, inorganic salts, bitter compounds, flavorants and flavoring ingredients, astringent compounds, proteins or protein hydrolysates, surfactants, emulsifiers, weighing agents, gums, antioxidants, colorants, flavonoids, alcohols, polymers and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the additives act to improve the temporal and flavor profile of the sweetener to provide a sweetener composition with a favorable taste, such as a taste similar to sucrose.

In one embodiment, the sweetener compositions with steviol glycosides (including compounds SG101-104) contain one or more polyols. The term “polyol”, as used herein, refers to a molecule that contains more than one hydroxyl group. In some embodiments, a polyol may be a diol, triol, or a tetraol which contains 2, 3, and 4 hydroxyl groups respectively. A polyol also may contain more than 4 hydroxyl groups, such as a pentaol, hexaol, heptaol, or the like, which contain 5, 6, 7, or even more hydroxyl groups, respectively. Additionally, a polyol also may be a sugar alcohol, polyhydric alcohol, polymer comprising OH functionality, or polyalcohol which is a reduced form of a carbohydrate, wherein a carbonyl group (aldehyde or ketone, reducing sugar) has been reduced to a primary or secondary hydroxyl group.

Exemplary amounts of polyol provide a concentration in the range of about 100 ppm to about 250,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, more specifically about 400 ppm to about 80,000 ppm, or about 5,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary amounts of amino acid provide a concentration in the range of about 10 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, or more specifically about 1,000 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, about 2,500 ppm to about 5,000 ppm, or about 250 ppm to about 7,500 ppm, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary nucleotide additives include, but are not limited to, inosine monophosphate (“IMP”), guanosine monophosphate (“GMP”), adenosine monophosphate (“AMP”), cytosine monophosphate (CMP), uracil monophosphate (UMP), inosine diphosphate, guanosine diphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, cytosine diphosphate, uracil diphosphate, inosine triphosphate, guanosine triphosphate, adenosine triphosphate, cytosine triphosphate, uracil triphosphate, alkali or alkaline earth metal salts thereof, and combinations thereof. The nucleotides described herein also may comprise nucleotide-related additives, such as nucleosides or nucleic acid bases (e.g., guanine, cytosine, adenine, thymine, uracil). In some embodiments, a nucleotide can be present in the sweetener composition to provide a concentration in the range of about 5 ppm to about 1,000 ppm based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary flavorant and flavoring ingredient additives, but are not limited to, vanillin, vanilla extract, mango extract, cinnamon, citrus, coconut, ginger, viridiflorol, almond, menthol (including menthol without mint), grape skin extract, and grape seed extract. In some embodiments, a flavorant is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 4,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary polymer additives include, chitosan, pectin, pectic, pectinic, polyuronic, polygalacturonic acid, starch, food hydrocolloid or crude extracts thereof (e.g., gum acacia Senegal (Fibergum™), gum acacia seyal, carageenan), poly-L-lysine (e.g., poly-L-α-lysine or poly-L-e-lysine), poly-L-ornithine (e.g., poly-L-α-ornithine or poly-L-e-ornithine), polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether), polyarginine, polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, polyethylene imine, alginic acid, sodium alginate, propylene glycol alginate, and sodium polyethyleneglycolalginate, sodium hexametaphosphate and its salts, and other cationic polymers and anionic polymers. In some embodiments, a polymer additive is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary protein or protein hydrolysate additives include, but are not limited to, bovine serum albumin (BSA), whey protein, soluble rice protein, soy protein, protein isolates, protein hydrolysates, reaction products of protein hydrolysates, glycoproteins, and/or proteoglycans containing amino acids, collagen (e.g., gelatin), partially hydrolyzed collagen (e.g., hydrolyzed fish collagen), and collagen hydrolysates (e.g., porcine collagen hydrolysate). In some embodiments, a protein hydrosylate is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 200 ppm to about 50,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary surfactant additives include, but are not limited to, polysorbates (e.g., polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (polysorbate 80), polysorbate 20, polysorbate 60), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate or dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium, sodium dodecyl sulfate, cetylpyridinium chloride (hexadecylpyridinium chloride), hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium cholate, carbamoyl, choline chloride, sodium glycocholate, sodium taurodeoxycholate, lauric arginate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sodium taurocholate, lecithins, sucrose oleate esters, sucrose stearate esters, sucrose palmitate esters, sucrose laurate esters, and other emulsifiers, and the like. In some embodiments, a surfactant additive is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 30 ppm to about 2,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary flavonoid additives are classified as flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, isoflavones, or anthocyanidins. Non-limiting examples of flavonoid additives include, but are not limited to, catechins (e.g., green tea extracts such as Polyphenon™ 60, Polyphenon™ 30, and Polyphenon™ 25 (Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., Japan), polyphenols, rutins (e.g., enzyme modified rutin Sanmelin™ AO (San-fi Gen F.F.I., Inc., Osaka, Japan)), neohesperidin, naringin, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, and the like. In some embodiments, a flavonoid additive is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 0.1 ppm to about 1,000 ppm when present in sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

Exemplary alcohol additives include, but are not limited to, ethanol. In some embodiments, an alcohol additive is present in the sweetener composition in an amount effective to provide a concentration from about 625 ppm to about 10,000 ppm when present in a sweetened composition, such as, for example, a beverage, based on the total weight of the sweetened composition.

The sweetener composition can also contain one or more functional ingredients, which provide a real or perceived heath benefit to the composition. Functional ingredients include, but are not limited to, saponins, antioxidants, dietary fiber sources, fatty acids, vitamins, glucosamine, minerals, preservatives, hydration agents, probiotics, prebiotics, weight management agents, osteoporosis management agents, phytoestrogens, long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols, phytosterols and combinations thereof.

Saponins are glycosidic plant products comprising an aglycone ring structure and one or more sugar moieties. The combination of the nonpolar aglycone and the water soluble sugar moiety gives saponins surfactant properties, which allow them to form a foam when shaken in an aqueous solution.

As used herein “antioxidant” refers to any substance which inhibits, suppresses, or reduces oxidative damage to cells and biomolecules. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that antioxidants inhibit, suppress, or reduce oxidative damage to cells or biomolecules by stabilizing free radicals before they can cause harmful reactions. As such, antioxidants may prevent or postpone the onset of some degenerative diseases.

Particular antioxidants belong to the class of phytonutrients called polyphenols (also known as “polyphenolics”), which are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. A variety of health benefits may be derived from polyphenols, including prevention of cancer, heart disease, and chronic inflammatory disease and improved mental strength and physical strength, for example. Suitable polyphenols include but are not limited to catechins, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, anthocyanins, quercerin, rutin, reservatrol, isoflavones, curcumin, punicalagin, ellagitannin, hesperidin, naringin, citrus flavonoids, chlorogenic acid, other similar materials, and combinations thereof.

Numerous polymeric carbohydrates having significantly different structures in both composition and linkages fall within the definition of dietary fiber. Such compounds are well known to those skilled in the art, non-limiting examples of which include non-starch polysaccharides, lignin, cellulose, methylcellulose, the hemicelluloses, β-glucans, pectins, gums, mucilage, waxes, inulins, oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, cyclodextrins, chitins, and combinations thereof.

As used herein, “fatty acid” refers to any straight chain monocarboxylic acid and includes saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, long chain fatty acids, medium chain fatty acids, short chain fatty acids, fatty acid precursors (including omega-9 fatty acid precursors), and esterified fatty acids. As used herein, “long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid” refers to any polyunsaturated carboxylic acid or organic acid with a long aliphatic tail. As used herein, “omega-3 fatty acid” refers to any polyunsaturated fatty acid having a first double bond as the third carbon-carbon bond from the terminal methyl end of its carbon chain. In particular embodiments, the omega-3 fatty acid may comprise a long chain omega-3 fatty acid. As used herein, “omega-6 fatty acid” any polyunsaturated fatty acid having a first double bond as the sixth carbon-carbon bond from the terminal methyl end of its carbon chain.

As used herein, the at least one vitamin may be single vitamin or a plurality of vitamins as a functional ingredient for the sweetener and sweetened compositions provided herein. Generally, according to particular embodiments, the at least one vitamin is present in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition in an amount sufficient to promote health and wellness.

Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body needs in small quantities for normal functioning. The body uses vitamins without breaking them down, unlike other nutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins. To date, thirteen vitamins have been recognized, and one or more can be used in the functional sweetener and sweetened compositions herein. Suitable vitamins include, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, vitamin B 12, and vitamin C. Many of vitamins also have alternative chemical names, non-limiting examples of which are provided below.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient comprises glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate. Glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is an amino sugar that is believed to be an important precursor in the biochemical synthesis of glycosylated proteins and lipids. D-glucosamine occurs in the cartilage in the form of glucosamine-6-phosphate, which is synthesized from fructose-6-phosphate and glutamine. However, glucosamine also is available in other forms, non-limiting examples of which include glucosamine hydrochloride, glucosamine sulfate, N-acetyl-glucosamine, or any other salt forms or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient comprises at least one mineral. Minerals comprise inorganic chemical elements required by living organisms. Minerals are comprised of a broad range of compositions (e.g., elements, simple salts, and complex silicates) and also vary broadly in crystalline structure. They may naturally occur in foods and beverages, may be added as a supplement, or may be consumed or administered separately from foods or beverages. In particular embodiments of this disclosure, the mineral is chosen from bulk minerals, trace minerals or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of bulk minerals include calcium, chlorine, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and sulfur. Non-limiting examples of trace minerals include chromium, cobalt, copper, fluorine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, and iodine. Although iodine generally is classified as a trace mineral, it is required in larger quantities than other trace minerals and often is categorized as a bulk mineral.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient comprises at least one preservative. In particular embodiments of this disclosure, the preservative is chosen from antimicrobials, antioxidants, antienzymatics or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of antimicrobials include sulfites, propionates, benzoates, sorbates, nitrates, nitrites, bacteriocins, salts, sugars, acetic acid, dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC), ethanol, and ozone.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one hydration agent. Hydration products help the body to replace fluids that are lost through excretion. In a particular embodiment, the hydration product is a composition that helps the body replace fluids that are lost during exercise. Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, the hydration product is an electrolyte, non-limiting examples of which include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate, and combinations thereof. In particular embodiments of this disclosure, the hydration product is a carbohydrate to supplement energy stores burned by muscles. In another particular embodiment, the hydration agent is at least one flavanol that provides cellular rehydration. Flavanols are a class of substances present in plants, and generally comprise a 2-phenylbenzopyrone molecular skeleton attached to one or more chemical moieties. In a particular embodiment, the hydration agent comprises a glycerol solution to enhance exercise endurance. The ingestion of a glycerol containing solution has been shown to provide beneficial physiological effects, such as expanded blood volume, lower heart rate, and lower rectal temperature.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient comprises at least one probiotic, prebiotic and combination thereof. Probiotics comprise microorganisms that benefit health when consumed in an effective amount. Desirably, probiotics beneficially affect the human body's gastrointestinal microflora and impart health benefits apart from nutrition. Probiotics may include, without limitation, bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Examples of probiotics include, but are not limited to, bacteria of the genus Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, Streptococci, or combinations thereof, that confer beneficial effects to humans. Prebiotics are compositions that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one weight management agent. As used herein, “a weight management agent” includes an appetite suppressant and/or a thermogenesis agent. As used herein, the phrases “appetite suppressant”, “appetite satiation compositions”, “satiety agents”, and “satiety ingredients” are synonymous. The phrase “appetite suppressant” describes macronutrients, herbal extracts, exogenous hormones, anorectics, anorexigenics, pharmaceutical drugs, and combinations thereof, that when delivered in an effective amount, suppress, inhibit, reduce, or otherwise curtail a person's appetite. The phrase “thermogenesis agent” describes macronutrients, herbal extracts, exogenous hormones, anorectics, anorexigenics, pharmaceutical drugs, and combinations thereof, that when delivered in an effective amount, activate or otherwise enhance a person's thermogenesis or metabolism.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one osteoporosis management agent. In certain embodiments, the osteoporosis management agent is at least one calcium source. According to a particular embodiment, the calcium source is any compound containing calcium, including salt complexes, solubilized species, and other forms of calcium. According to a particular embodiment, the osteoporosis management agent is a magnesium source. The magnesium source is any compound containing magnesium, including salt complexes, solubilized species, and other forms of magnesium. In other embodiments, the osteoporosis agent is chosen from vitamins D, C, K, their precursors and/or beta-carotene and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one phytoestrogen. In one embodiment, a sweetener composition comprises at least one phytoestrogen. As used herein, “phytoestrogen” refers to any substance which, when introduced into a body causes an estrogen-like effect of any degree. Examples of suitable phytoestrogens include, but are not limited to, isoflavones, stilbenes, lignans, resorcyclic acid lactones, coumestans, coumestrol, equol, and combinations thereof.

Isoflavones belong to the group of phytonutrients called polyphenols. In general, polyphenols (also known as “polyphenolics”), are a group of chemical substances found in plants, characterized by the presence of more than one phenol group per molecule. Suitable phytoestrogen isoflavones include but are not limited to genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, their respective glycosides and glycoside conjugates, matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol, enterolactone, enterodiol, textured vegetable protein, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one long chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohol. Non-limiting examples of particular long-chain primary aliphatic saturated alcohols for use in particular embodiments include but are not limited to the 8 carbon atom 1-octanol, the 9 carbon 1-nonanol, the 10 carbon atom 1-decanol, the 12 carbon atom 1-dodecanol, the 14 carbon atom 1-tetradecanol, the 16 carbon atom 1-hexadecanol, the 18 carbon atom 1-octadecanol, the 20 carbon atom 1-eicosanol, the 22 carbon 1-docosanol, the 24 carbon 1-tetracosanol, the 26 carbon 1-hexacosanol, the 27 carbon 1-heptacosanol, the 28 carbon 1-octanosol, the 29 carbon 1-nonacosanol, the 30 carbon 1-triacontanol, the 32 carbon 1-dotriacontanol, and the 34 carbon 1-tetracontanol.

In certain embodiments, the functional ingredient is at least one phytosterol, phytostanol or combination thereof. As used herein, the phrases “stanol”, “plant stanol” and “phytostanol” are synonymous. Sterols are a subgroup of steroids with a hydroxyl group at C-3. Generally, phytosterols have a double bond within the steroid nucleus, like cholesterol; however, phytosterols also may comprise a substituted sidechain (R) at C-24, such as an ethyl or methyl group, or an additional double bond. The structures of phytosterols are well known to those of skill in the art. Phytosterols well known to those or ordinary skill in the art include 4-desmethylsterols (e.g., 0-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, 22-dehydrobrassicasterol, and A5-avenasterol), 4-monomethyl sterols, and 4,4-dimethyl sterols (triterpene alcohols) (e.g., cycloartenol, 24-methylenecycloartanol, and cyclobranol). Examples of phytostanols include β-sitostanol, campestanol, cycloartanol, and saturated forms of other triterpene alcohols.

Generally, the amount of functional ingredient in the sweetener composition or sweetened composition varies widely depending on the particular sweetener composition or sweetened composition and the desired functional ingredient. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily ascertain the appropriate amount of functional ingredient for each sweetener composition or sweetened composition.

Steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104, or sweetener compositions comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, can be incorporated in any known edible material (referred to herein as a “sweetenable composition”) or other composition intended to be ingested and/or contacted with the mouth of a human or animal, such as, for example, pharmaceutical compositions, edible gel mixes and compositions, dental and oral hygiene compositions, foodstuffs (confections, condiments, chewing gum, cereal compositions, baked goods, baking goods, cooking adjuvants, dairy products, and tabletop sweetener compositions), beverages, and other beverage products (e.g., beverage mixes, beverage concentrates, etc.).

In one embodiment, a sweetened composition is derived from ingredients comprising a sweetenable composition and additionally steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. In another embodiment, the sweetened composition is derived from ingredients comprising a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. The sweetened compositions can optionally include one or more additives, liquid carriers, binders, sweeteners, functional ingredients, other adjuvants, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition contains a pharmaceutically active substance (including prodrug forms thereof) and steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. In another embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition contains a pharmaceutically active substance and a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. The steviol glycoside sweetener composition can be present as an excipient material in the pharmaceutical composition, which can mask a bitter or otherwise undesirable taste of a pharmaceutically active substance or another excipient material. The pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of a tablet, a capsule, a liquid, an aerosol, a powder, an effervescent tablet or powder, a syrup, an emulsion, a suspension, a solution, or any other form for providing the pharmaceutical composition to a patient. In particular embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may be in a form for oral administration, buccal administration, sublingual administration, or any other route of administration as known in the art.

As referred to herein, “pharmaceutically active substance” means any drug, drug formulation, medication, prophylactic agent, therapeutic agent, or other substance having biological activity. Pharmaceutically active substances also include prodrug forms of these. As referred to herein, “excipient material” refers to any other ingredient used in a pharmaceutically active composition used in combination with pharmaceutically active substance(s) that are present (including prodrugs thereof. Excipients included but are not limited to inactive substances used as a vehicle for an active ingredient, such as any material to facilitate handling, stability, dispersibility, wettability, and/or release kinetics of a pharmaceutically active substance.

Suitable pharmaceutically active substances include, but are not limited to, medications for the gastrointestinal tract or digestive system, for the cardiovascular system, for the central nervous system, for pain or consciousness, for musculo-skeletal disorders, for the eye, for the ear, nose and oropharynx, for the respiratory system, for endocrine problems, for the reproductive system or urinary system, for contraception, for obstetrics and gynecology, for the skin, for infections and infestations, for immunology, for allergic disorders, for nutrition, for neoplastic disorders, for diagnostics, for euthanasia, or other biological functions or disorders.

The pharmaceutical composition also may comprise other pharmaceutically acceptable excipient materials in addition to a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Examples of other suitable excipient materials include, but are not limited to, other sweetening compounds, antiadherents, binders (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth, or gelatin), liquid carriers, coatings, disintegrants, fillers, diluents, softeners, emulsifiers, flavoring agents, coloring agents, adjuvants, lubricants, functional agents (e.g., nutrients), viscosity modifiers, bulking agents, glidiants (e.g., colloidal silicon dioxide) surface active agents, osmotic agents, diluents, or any other non-active ingredient, or combinations thereof. For example, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may include excipient materials selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, coloring agents, whiteners, preservatives, and flavors, triacetin, magnesium stearate, sterotes, natural or artificial flavors, essential oils, plant extracts, fruit essences, gelatins, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, an edible gel or edible gel mix comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. The edible gel or edible gel mixes can optionally include additives, functional ingredients or combinations thereof. One or more of compounds SG101-104, or a mixture of compounds SG101-104 with one or more other steviol glycosides, such as Reb D or Reb M, can constitute a sweetener composition of the present disclosure. However, in many embodiments, a sweetener compositions comprises one or more of compounds SG101-104, or a mixture of compounds SG101-104 with one or more other steviol glycosides, such as Reb D or Reb M and one or more other ingredient(s) that is not a steviol glycoside.

Edible gels are gels that can be eaten by a human or animal. Gels often appear to be solid, jelly-like materials. Non-limiting examples of edible gel compositions for use in particular embodiments include gel desserts, puddings, jellies, pastes, trifles, aspics, marshmallows, gummy candies, or the like. Edible gel mixes generally are powdered or granular solids to which a fluid may be added to form an edible gel composition. Because edible gel products found in the marketplace typically are sweetened with sucrose, it is desirable to sweeten edible gels with an alternative sweetener in order provide a low-calorie or non-calorie alternative.

Non-limiting examples of gelling ingredients for use in particular embodiments include gelatin, alginate, carageenan, gum, pectin, konjac, agar, food acid, rennet, starch, starch derivatives, and combinations thereof. It is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art that the amount of gelling ingredient used in an edible gel mix or an edible gel composition varies considerably depending on a number of factors, such as the particular gelling ingredient used, the particular fluid base used, and the desired properties of the gel.

Edible gel mixes and edible gels may be prepared using other ingredients in addition to the sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, and the gelling agent. Non-limiting examples of other ingredients for use in particular embodiments include a food acid, a salt of a food acid, a buffering system, a bulking agent, a sequestrant, a cross-linking agent, one or more flavors, one or more colors, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, a dental composition comprises a sweetener composition comprising comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Dental compositions generally comprise an active dental substance and a base material. A sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104, can be used as the base material to sweeten the dental composition. The dental composition may be in the form of any oral composition used in the oral cavity such as mouth freshening agents, gargling agents, mouth rinsing agents, toothpaste, tooth polish, dentifrices, mouth sprays, teeth-whitening agent, dental floss, compositions to treat one or more oral indications (e.g., gingivitis), and the like, for example.

As referred to herein, “active dental substance” means any composition which can be used to improve the aesthetic appearance and/or health of teeth or gums or prevent dental caries. As referred to herein, “base material” refers to any inactive substance used as a vehicle for an active dental substance, such as any material to facilitate handling, stability, dispersibility, wettability, foaming, and/or release kinetics of an active dental substance.

Suitable active dental substances include, but are not limited to, substances which remove dental plaque, remove food from teeth, aid in the elimination and/or masking of halitosis, prevent tooth decay, and prevent gum disease (i.e., Gingiva). Examples of suitable active dental substances include, but are not limited to, anticaries drugs, fluoride, sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, stannos fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide (i.e., urea peroxide), antibacterial agents, plaque removing agents, stain removers, anticalculus agents, abrasives, baking soda, percarbonates, perborates of alkali and alkaline earth metals, or similar type substances, or combinations thereof. Such components generally are recognized as safe (GRAS) and/or are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—approved.

In a particular embodiment, a dental composition comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, and an active dental substance. Generally, the amount of the sweetener varies widely depending on the nature of the particular dental composition and the desired degree of sweetness. Those skilled in the art will be able to discern a suitable amount of sweetener for such dental composition. In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104, is present in the dental composition in a total amount in the range of about 1 to about 5,000 ppm of the dental composition and the at least one additive is present in the dental composition in an amount in the range of about 0.1 to about 100,000 ppm of the dental composition.

In one embodiment, a confection comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. As referred to herein, “confection” can mean a sweet, a lollie, a confectionery, or similar term. The confection generally contains a base composition component and a sweetener component. A sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104 can serve as the sweetener component. The confection may be in the form of any food that is typically perceived to be rich in sugar or is typically sweet. According to particular embodiments, the confections may be bakery products such as pastries; desserts such as yogurt, jellies, drinkable jellies, puddings, Bavarian cream, blancmange, cakes, brownies, mousse and the like, sweetened food products eaten at tea time or following meals; frozen foods; cold confections, e. g. types of ice cream such as ice cream, ice milk, lacto-ice and the like (food products in which sweeteners and various other types of raw materials are added to milk products, and the resulting mixture is agitated and frozen), and ice confections such as sherbets, dessert ices and the like (food products in which various other types of raw materials are added to a sugary liquid, and the resulting mixture is agitated and frozen); general confections, e. g., baked confections or steamed confections such as crackers, biscuits, buns with bean-jam filling, halvah, alfajor, and the like; rice cakes and snacks; table top products; general sugar confections such as chewing gum (e.g. including compositions which comprise a substantially water-insoluble, chewable gum base, such as chicle or substitutes thereof, including jetulong, guttakay rubber or certain comestible plant derived or synthetic resins or waxes), hard candy, soft candy, mints, nougat candy, jelly beans, fudge, toffee, taffy, Swiss milk tablet, licorice candy, chocolates, gelatin candies, marshmallow, marzipan, divinity, cotton candy, and the like; sauces including fruit flavored sauces, chocolate sauces and the like; edible gels; cremes including butter cremes, flour pastes, whipped cream and the like; jams including strawberry jam, marmalade and the like; and breads including sweet breads and the like or other starch products, and combinations thereof. As referred to herein, “base composition” means any composition which can be a food item and provides a matrix for carrying the sweetener component.

In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides including one or more of compounds SG101-104 are present in the confection in an amount in the range of about 30 ppm to about 6000 ppm, about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, or about 10 ppm to about 5000 ppm, about 500 ppm to about 5000 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 5000 ppm, about 100 ppm to about 7000 ppm, about 200 ppm to about 4000 ppm, about 500 ppm to 7500 ppm, about 1000 ppm to about 8000 ppm, about 2000 ppm to about 5000 ppm, about 3000 ppm to about 7000 ppm or about 4000 ppm to about 6000 ppm of the confection.

In another embodiment, a condiment comprises steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. In another embodiment a condiment comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Condiments, as used herein, are compositions used to enhance or improve the flavor of a food or beverage. Non-limiting examples of condiments include ketchup (catsup); mustard; barbecue sauce; butter; chili sauce; chutney; cocktail sauce; curry; dips; fish sauce; horseradish; hot sauce; jellies, jams, marmalades, or preserves; mayonnaise; peanut butter; relish; remoulade; salad dressings (e.g., oil and vinegar, Caesar, French, ranch, bleu cheese, Russian, Thousand Island, Italian, and balsamic vinaigrette), salsa; sauerkraut; soy sauce; steak sauce; syrups; tartar sauce; and Worcestershire sauce.

In one embodiment, a chewing gum composition comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Chewing gum compositions generally comprise a water-soluble portion and a water-insoluble chewable gum base portion. The water soluble portion, which typically includes the sweetener or sweetener composition, dissipates with a portion of the flavoring agent over a period of time during chewing while the insoluble gum base portion is retained in the mouth. The insoluble gum base generally determines whether a gum is considered chewing gum, bubble gum, or a functional gum.

In a particular embodiment, a chewing gum composition comprises or a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104 and a gum base. In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104 are present in the chewing gum composition in a total amount in the range of about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm of the chewing gum composition.

In one embodiment, a cereal composition comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104. Cereal compositions typically are eaten either as staple foods or as snacks. Non-limiting examples of cereal compositions for use in particular embodiments include ready-to-eat cereals as well as hot cereals. Ready-to-eat cereals are cereals which may be eaten without further processing (i.e. cooking) by the consumer. Examples of ready-to-eat cereals include breakfast cereals and snack bars. Breakfast cereals typically are processed to produce a shredded, flaky, puffy, or extruded form. Breakfast cereals generally are eaten cold and are often mixed with milk and/or fruit. Snack bars include, for example, energy bars, rice cakes, granola bars, and nutritional bars. Hot cereals generally are cooked, usually in either milk or water, before being eaten. Non-limiting examples of hot cereals include grits, porridge, polenta, rice, and rolled oats.

A sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, can be is added to the cereal composition as a coating, such as, for example, by combining a sweetener comprising the steviol glycosides with a food grade oil and applying the mixture onto the cereal. In a different embodiment, a sweetener composition comprising the steviol glycosides and the food grade oil may be applied to the cereal separately, by applying either the oil or the sweetener first. A sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides can also be added to the cereal composition as a glaze. Steviol glycosides can be added as a glaze by combining with a glazing agent and a food grade oil or fat and applying the mixture to the cereal. In yet another embodiment, a gum system, such as, for example, gum acacia, carboxymethyl cellulose, or align, may be added to the glaze to provide structural support. In addition, the glaze also may include a coloring agent, and also may include a flavor. A sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides can also be added to the cereal composition as a frosting. In one such embodiment, a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides is combined with water and a frosting agent and then applied to the cereal.

In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides are present in the cereal composition in an amount in the range of about 0.02 to about 1.5 weight percent of the cereal composition.

In another embodiment, a baked good comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Baked goods, as used herein, include ready to eat and all ready to bake products, flours, and mixes requiring preparation before serving. Non-limiting examples of baked goods include cakes, crackers, cookies, brownies, muffins, rolls, bagels, donuts, strudels, pastries, croissants, biscuits, bread, bread products, and buns.

Exemplary baked goods can be classified into three groups: bread-type doughs (e.g., white breads, variety breads, soft buns, hard rolls, bagels, pizza dough, and flour tortillas), sweet doughs (e.g., danishes, croissants, crackers, puff pastry, pie crust, biscuits, and cookies), and batters (e.g., cakes such as sponge, pound, devil's food, cheesecake, and layer cake, donuts or other yeast raised cakes, brownies, and muffins). Doughs generally are characterized as being flour-based, whereas batters are more water-based.

Baked goods in accordance with particular embodiments generally comprise a combination of sweetener, water, and fat. Baked goods made in accordance with many embodiments of this disclosure also contain flour in order to make a dough or a batter. The term “dough” as used herein is a mixture of flour and other ingredients stiff enough to knead or roll. The term “batter” as used herein consists of flour, liquids such as milk or water, and other ingredients, and is thin enough to pour or drop from a spoon.

In one embodiment, a dairy product comprises a sweetener composition comprising comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Dairy products and processes for making dairy products are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Dairy products, as used herein, comprise milk or foodstuffs produced from milk. Non-limiting examples of dairy products suitable for use in embodiments include milk, milk cream, sour cream, creme fraiche, buttermilk, cultured buttermilk, milk powder, condensed milk, evaporated milk, butter, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, yogurt, ice cream, frozen custard, frozen yogurt, gelato, via, piima, filmjOlk, kajmak, kephir, viili, kumiss, airag, ice milk, casein, ayran, lassi, khoa, or combinations thereof. Milk is a fluid secreted by the mammary glands of female mammals for the nourishment of their young. The female ability to produce milk is one of the defining characteristics of mammals and provides the primary source of nutrition for newborns before they are able to digest more diverse foods. In particular embodiments, the dairy products are derived from the raw milk of cows, goats, sheep, horses, donkeys, camels, water buffalo, yaks, reindeer, moose, or humans.

In a particularly desirable embodiment, the dairy composition comprises a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, in combination with a dairy product. In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, are present in the dairy composition in an total amount in the range of about 200 to about 20,000 weight percent of the dairy composition.

Tabletop sweetener compositions containing steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, are also contemplated herein. The tabletop composition can further include a variety of other ingredients, including but not limited to at least one bulking agent, additive, anti-caking agent, functional ingredient or combination thereof.

Suitable “bulking agents” include, but are not limited to, maltodextrin (10 DE, 18 DE, or 5 DE), corn syrup solids (20 or 36 DE), sucrose, fructose, glucose, invert sugar, sorbitol, xylose, ribulose, mannose, xylitol, mannitol, galactitol, erythritol, maltitol, lactitol, isomalt, maltose, tagatose, lactose, inulin, glycerol, propylene glycol, polyols, polydextrose, fructooligosaccharides, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and the like, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, in accordance with still other embodiments, granulated sugar (sucrose) or other caloric sweeteners such as crystalline fructose, other carbohydrates, or sugar alcohol can be used as a bulking agent due to their provision of good content uniformity without the addition of significant calories.

The tabletop sweetener compositions can be packaged in any form known in the art. Non-limiting forms include, but are not limited to, powder form, granular form, packets, tablets, sachets, pellets, cubes, solids, and liquids. The amount of steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, in a dry-blend tabletop sweetener formulation can vary. In a particular embodiment, a dry-blend tabletop sweetener formulation may contain steviol glycosides in an amount from about 1% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) of the tabletop sweetener composition.

A tabletop sweetener composition also may be embodied in the form of a liquid, wherein a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, is combined with a liquid carrier. Suitable non-limiting examples of carrier agents for liquid tabletop functional sweeteners include water, alcohol, polyol, glycerin base or citric acid base dissolved in water, and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the sweetened composition is a beverage product comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. As used herein a “beverage product” is a ready-to-drink beverage, a beverage concentrate, a beverage syrup, frozen beverage, or a powdered beverage. Suitable ready-to-drink beverages include carbonated and non-carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages include, but are not limited to, enhanced sparkling beverages, cola, lemon-lime flavored sparkling beverage, orange flavored sparkling beverage, grape flavored sparkling beverage, strawberry flavored sparkling beverage, pineapple flavored sparkling beverage, ginger-ale, soft drinks and root beer. Non-carbonated beverages include, but are not limited to fruit juice, fruit-flavored juice, juice drinks, nectars, vegetable juice, vegetable-flavored juice, sports drinks, energy drinks, enhanced water drinks, enhanced water with vitamins, near water drinks (e.g., water with natural or synthetic flavorants), coconut water, tea type drinks (e.g. black tea, green tea, red tea, oolong tea), coffee, cocoa drink, beverage containing milk components (e.g. milk beverages, coffee containing milk components, cafe au lait, milk tea, fruit milk beverages), beverages containing cereal extracts, smoothies and combinations thereof.

Beverage concentrates and beverage syrups can be prepared with an initial volume of liquid matrix (e.g. water) and the desired beverage ingredients. Full strength beverages are then prepared by adding further volumes of water. Powdered beverages are prepared by dry-mixing all of the beverage ingredients in the absence of a liquid matrix. Full strength beverages are then prepared by adding the full volume of water.

In one embodiment, a beverage contains a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. Any sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104 detailed herein can be used in the beverages. In another embodiment, a method of preparing a beverage comprises combining a liquid matrix and steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104. The method can further comprise addition of one or more sweeteners, additives and/or functional ingredients. In still another embodiment, a method of preparing a beverage comprises combining a liquid matrix and a sweetener composition comprising steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104.

In another embodiment, a beverage contains a sweetener composition containing steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104, wherein the steviol glycosides are present in the beverage in an amount ranging from about 1 ppm to about 10,000 ppm, such as, for example, from about 25 ppm to about 800 ppm. In another embodiment, steviol glycosides are present in the beverage in an amount ranging from about 100 ppm to about 600 ppm. In yet other embodiments, steviol glycosides are present in the beverage in an amount ranging from about 100 to about 200 ppm, from about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm, from about 100 ppm to about 400 ppm, or from about 100 ppm to about 500 ppm. In still another embodiment, steviol glycosides are present in the beverage in an amount ranging from about 300 to about 700 ppm, such as, for example, from about 400 ppm to about 600 ppm. In a particular embodiment, steviol glycosides are present in the beverage in an amount of about 500 ppm.

In one embodiment, the composition is a beverage and the total glycoside content in the beverage is about 50 to 1500 ppm, or 100 to 1200 ppm, 200 to 1000 ppm, 300 to 900 ppm, 350 to 800 ppm, 400 to 600 ppm, or 450 to 550 ppm. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, or other than Reb D and/or Reb B, and optionally other than Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, e.g., one or more of compounds SG101-104, are present in a beverage at about at least 0.001 ppm to about 1000 ppm, e.g., about 1 to 800 ppm, 1 to 600 ppm, 1 to 500 ppm, 50 ppm to 500 ppm, 10 to 100 ppm, 100 to 600 ppm, 200 to 500 ppm, 300 to 400 ppm, 0.1 to 10 ppm, or 0.1 to 50 ppm, including at least 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 125, 150, 150, 175, or 200 ppm. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, or other than Reb D and/or Reb B, and optionally other than Reb G, Reb O, Reb N, and/or Reb E, e.g., one or more of compounds SG101-104, are present in a beverage at about 1 to 600 ppm 10 to 400, 50 to 200, 75 to 150, 5 to 200, 10 to 100, 20 to 90, 30 to 80 ppm, and the like. In one embodiment, steviol glycosides other than Reb D, Reb M, Reb B and/or Reb A, such as one or more of compounds SG101-104, are present in a beverage at about 1 to 600 ppm 10 to 400, 50 to 200, 75 to 150, 5 to 200, 10 to 100, 20 to 90, 30 to 80 ppm, and the like.

A method for imparting a more sugar-like temporal profile, flavor profile, or both to a sweetenable composition comprises combining a sweetenable composition with the sweetener compositions of the present disclosure, i.e., sweetener compositions containing steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104.

The method can further include the addition of other sweeteners, additives, functional ingredients and combinations thereof. Any sweetener, additive or functional ingredient detailed herein can be used.

As used herein, the “sugar-like” characteristics include any characteristic similar to that of sucrose and include, but are not limited to, maximal response, flavor profile, temporal profile, adaptation behavior, mouthfeel, concentration/response function, tastant/and flavor/sweet taste interactions, spatial pattern selectivity, and temperature effects.

In certain embodiments, an agglomerate of steviol glycosides, including one or more of compounds SG101-104, sweetener composition is provided. As used herein, “sweetener agglomerate” means a plurality of sweetener particles clustered and held together. Examples of sweetener agglomerates include, but are not limited to, binder held agglomerates, extrudates, and granules. Methods for making agglomerates are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and are disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,157. Generally described, the process for preparing an agglomerate in accordance with a certain embodiment comprises the steps of preparing a premix solution comprising steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, sweetener composition and a binding agent in a solvent, heating the premix to a temperature sufficient to effectively form a mixture of the premix, applying the premix onto a fluidized carrier by a fluid bed agglomerator, and drying the resulting agglomerate. The sweetness level of the resulting agglomerate may be modified by varying the amount of the sweetener composition in the premix solution.

In some embodiments provided are substantially dustless and substantially free-flowing extrudates or extruded agglomerates of steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104, for a sweetener composition. Such particles may be formed with or without the use of binders using extrusion and spheronization processes.

“Extrudates” or “extruded sweetener composition”, as used herein, refers to cylindrical, free-flowing, relatively non-dusty, mechanically strong granules of steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104. The terms “spheres” or “spheronized sweetener composition”, as used herein, refer to relatively spherical, smooth, free-flowing, relatively non-dusty, mechanically strong granules. A process for making extrudates are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,216.

In another embodiment, granulated forms of steviol glycosides, including compounds SG101-104 are provided. As used herein, the terms “granules,” “granulated forms,” and “granular forms” are synonymous and refer to free-flowing, substantially non-dusty, mechanically strong agglomerates of the steviol glycoside sweetener composition. Methods of granulation are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are described in more detail in the PCT Publication WO 01/60842.

Fermentation for Steviol Glycoside Production Including Compounds SG101-104

Steviol glycoside compounds, including compounds SG101-104, Reb D and Reb M, were produced by genetically engineeredSaccharomyces cerevisiae. Saccharomycesstrains EFSC 3261 and EFSC 3841 are described in International Application No. WO2014/122227.

Fed-batch fermentation was carried out aerobically in 2L (working volume) fermenters which included an about 16 hour growth phase in the base medium (minimal medium containing glucose, ammonium sulfate, trace metals, vitamins, salts, and buffer) followed by about 100 hours of feeding with a glucose-containing defined feed medium. Glucose was utilized as the carbon and energy source and combined with trace metals, vitamins, and salts. The pH was kept near pH 5-6 and the temperature setpoint was 30° C. The feed rate was controlled to prevent oxygen depletion and to minimize ethanol formation (glucose-limited conditions). The fermentation minimal medium is based on Verduyn C, Postma E, Scheffers WA, Van Dijken JP.(1992).Yeast 8, 501-517.

Purification of Compounds SG101-104 and NMR Spectroscopy

Compounds SG101-104 (designated in the purification chromatogram as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3as OPS1-1, OPS1-2, OPS1-4, and OPS1-5, respectively) were purified with preparative liquid chromatography as follows. Dried fermentation broth enriched in these compounds was used as the starting material for purification. The material was dissolved in 50:50 ethanol:water by sonication at 50° C. 5 mL of the solution was filtered through a 0.2 μm nylon syringe tip filter into a 5 mL autosampler vial for injection onto an Agilent 1260 preparative LC.

Compound SG101 (OPS1-1) and Compound SG102 (OPS1-2) fractions were purified as follows: 2.5 mL of sample was injected on the Phenomenex Kinetex XB-C18 5 μm, 21.2×250 mm column. A mixture of methanol and water (40:60 v/v) was used as a solvent. The flow rate was set at 20 mL/min, with a maximum pressure of 400 bar.FIG. 2shows a SG101 and SG102 purification chromatogram. Vial 2 is compound SG101 (OPS 1-1) and vial 4 is compound SG102 (OPS 1-2). Purified fractions of each compound from multiple injections were pooled together and dried under nitrogen at room temperature, producing the solid material that was characterized by NMR.

Compound SG103 (OPS1-4) and Compound SG104 (OPS1-5) fractions were purified as follows: 2.5 mL of sample was injected on the Phenomenex Kinetex XB-C18 5 μm, 21.2×250 mm column. A mixture of methanol and water (40:60 v/v) was used as a solvent. The flow rate was set at 20 mL/min, with a maximum pressure of 400 bar.FIG. 3shows a SG103 and SG104 purification chromatogram. Vial 2 is compound SG101 (OPS 1-1) and vial 4 is compound SG102 (OPS 1-2). Vial 10 contains OPS 1-4 (SG103) and vial 9 contains OPS 1-5 (SG104).

Purified fractions of each compound from multiple injections were pooled together and dried under nitrogen at room temperature, producing the solid material. SG103 and SG104 were repurified by solubilizing in 50% ethanol and injecting on this method again to collect only the SG103 and SG104 compounds. Purified fractions of each compound from multiple injections were pooled together and dried under nitrogen at room temperature, producing the solid material that was characterized by NMR.

All NMR spectra were acquired on a 800 MHz Bruker Avance machine (800 MHz for 1H, 201 MHz for 13C) equipped with a cryogenic probe (5 mm CPTCI 1H-13C/15N/D Z-GRD Z44909/0010). SG101 was dissolved in 550ul DMSO-d6/D20 1:1 and run in 5 mm tubes. SG102 was dissolved in 60ul D20 and measured in a 1.7 mm tube. SG103 and SG104 were dissolved in 200ul D20 (TSP as standard for chemical shift referencing) and measured in 3 mm tubes. SG101 and SG102 were measured at 25° C., SG101-104 at 40° C.

Structures were solved by means of standard homo- and heteronuclear multipulse NMR experiments, namely 1H,1H-COSY, 1H,1H-ROESY, 1H,13C-HSQC and1H,13C-HMBC.

Steviol Glycoside Composition Purified From Fermentation Broth

The steviol glycoside composition prepared from Example 1 was analyzed to determine the types and amounts of steviol glycoside compounds, including compounds SG101-104.

Enhancement of Steviol Glycoside Solubility by Compounds SG101-104

The presence of compounds SG101-104, even at low concentrations, showed a significant effect on the solubility of Reb D and Reb M in a composition. The instantaneous and equilibrium solubility was studied for pure Reb D, Reb M, a blend of pure Reb D/Reb M, and compared to the solubility of Reb D and Reb M from the fermentation composition containing these isomers

Instantaneous solubility is determined by mixing steviol glycoside with deionized water vigorously for 10 minutes at room temperature. Equilibrium solubility is determined by heating deionized water with steviol glycoside at 80° C. for 15 minutes and cooling down to room temperature for observation up to 4 days. Clear solutions without precipitates are considered soluble. The results are shown below.

Reb D has a very low instantaneous solubility (<0.08% at room temperature). Upon heating to 80° C. for 15 minutes, Reb D stayed soluble at 0.08% for at least 4 days at room temperature. Table 2 reflects the instantaneous and equilibrium solubility of Reb D.

Reb M has a higher solubility than Reb D. Its instantaneous solubility is at least 0.13% and with heating, the equilibrium solubility of Reb M is at least 0.2% at room temperature. Table 3 reflects the instantaneous and equilibrium solubility of Reb D.

To assess if Reb M would enhance the solubility of Reb D, a mixture of Reb D and Reb M at different ratios were used. No improvement in instantaneous solubility was seen by blending Reb D and with Reb M and no obvious increase in equilibrium solubility was seen either. Table 4 reflects the instantaneous and equilibrium solubility of the Reb D and Reb M mixture.

Surprisingly, fermentation derived steviol glycoside composition from Example 1, which includes compounds SG101-104, was found to have a significantly improved solubility over pure Reb D and Reb M mixtures. At least 0.37% of fermentation steviol glycoside is soluble instantaneously in room temperature water, which contains 0.14% Reb D and 0.21% rebM. Therefore a 75% improvement in solubility over pure Reb D was shown in the presence of compounds SG101-104. Table 5 reflects the instantaneous and equilibrium solubility fermentation derived steviol glycoside composition which includes Reb D, Reb M, and compounds SG101-104.

Materials and Methods

Glycoside samples (SG101-104) were isolated and purified from fermentation broth, purified Rebs A, B, and D are of leaf origin and Reb M is chemically synthesized. All samples were dissolved in reverse osmosis water at the concentrations indicated. Unsweetened black tea was used in one set of experiments. Approximately 2-3 milliliters of each solution was tasted and sensory evaluations conducted by two individuals. In one set of experiments a third individual also tasted.

Test A

TABLE 6Reb M alone or in combination with one of SG101-104, in WaterActual H2ONameActual SG mass (g)mass (g)Actual ppmReb M0.0501250.03200.4Reb M0.0401100.02400.9SG1010.005225.00208.0Reb M +0.005225.01200.4SG101207.9SG1020.005125.01203.9Reb M +0.005025.02200.4SG102199.8SG1030.005025.01199.9Reb M +0.005125.0400200.4SG103203.7SG1040.005025.00200.0Reb M +0.005225.03200.4SG104207.8
Sensory Comments from Three Experienced Taste Testers

Reb M at 200 ppm: Typical mid-sweet for Reb M, fairly well rounded, quick rise, some tailing, some bitter

Reb M at 400 ppm: Higher sweet, faster onset than 200 ppm, cotton candy sweetness—skews to HFCS longer linger, sharper bitterness—but not oppressing sweetness

Reb M (200 ppm)+SG101 (200 ppm): much stronger than the addition of SG101 and Reb M, molassesy brown sugar note (bitterness), doesn't linger as long as 400 ppm Reb M, higher in sweet intensity than 200 ppm Reb M, but not 400 ppm Reb M, little spiky sweetness

SG102 at 200 ppm: a bit sweeter than 1-1, sweetness does have quick onset

Reb M (200 ppm)+SG102 (200 ppm): very quick up front sweetness (better than SG101+Reb M), nice middle sweetness, good roundedness, less sweet intensity than SG101+Reb M, higher in sweet intensity than 200 ppm Reb M, but not 400 ppm Reb M

SG103 at 200 ppm: as sweet or sweeter than 200 ppm Reb M, more sucrosey, sugary quality characteristics (high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), cotton candy notes) are reminiscent of Reb M at 400 ppm but not as sweet, “fuller” feeling

Reb M (200 ppm)+SG103 (200 ppm): stronger sweetness than 400 ppm, not as spiky as Reb M, sweetness comes on faster, slight bitter or licorice aftertaste (vanilla)

SG104 at 200 ppm: as sweet or sweeter than 200 ppm Reb M, more rounded sweetness, enhanced sugar quality effects (sensations reminiscent of sucrose, vanilla), “fuller” feeling

TABLE 7Reb M alone or in combination with one of SG101-104, in TeaActual SGActual H2OName on vialmass (g)mass (g)Actual ppmReb M (same0.0501250.0300200.4lot as above)Reb M0.040199.9900401.0SG1010.005125.03203.8Reb M + SG101(25 g of 200 ppm Reb M solution above)200.40.005125.02203.8SG1020.005225.05207.6Reb M + SG102(25 g of 200 ppm Reb M solution above)200.40.005225.06207.5SG1030.005025.01199.9Reb M + SG103(25 g of 200 ppm Reb M solution above)200.40.004925.05195.6SG1040.005025.02199.8Reb M + SG104(25 g of 200 ppm Reb M solution above)200.40.005025.01199.9

Sensory Comments

Reb M: Nice subtle sweetness, feels like sugar, but with long linger very good

SG101: Zero sweetness, seems less than in water, naked tea

Reb M+SG101: Slightly sweeter than 200 ppm Reb M, not as sweet at 400 ppm Reb M, seems more sour and bitter than 200 ppm Reb M

SG102: Not sweet, slightly less astringent, some additional roundedness

Reb M+SG102: Slightly sweeter than 200 ppm Reb M, not as sweet as 400 ppm Reb M, adds some prune/raisin flavor

SG103: Slower onset than Reb M by itself, not as sweet as Reb M, slightly more licorice aftertaste

Reb M+SG103:Far less astringent than 400 ppm Reb M, seems sweeter than 400 ppm Reb M, more sucrosey than Reb M, faster onset, not as spiky

SG104: As sweet as Reb M, very sucrosey compared to Reb M, a little back end licorice

Reb M+SG104:Far less astringent than 400 ppm Reb M, sweeter than Reb M, very sucrosey compared to Reb M

Test B

TABLE 8Reb M alone or in combination with different amounts of SG101 in WaterActualSGSG mass (g)H2O mass (g)ppmreb-M (same lot as above)0.1000500.08200reb-M0.012750.03254reb-M0.015250.01304reb-M0.0398100.01398Reb M + SG101200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 50 g2000.002346.4450Reb M + SG101200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 50 g2000.005050.00100Reb M + SG101200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.009924.74400Reb M + SG101200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.011723.50498Reb M + SG101200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.015525.84600

Sensory Comments

Reb M+SG101 (50 ppm): Slightly sweeter than 200 ppm Reb M, “fuller”, more sucrosey than Reb M by itself at 200 ppm

TABLE 9Reb M alone or in combination with different amounts of SG102 in WaterActualSGSG mass (g)H2O mass (g)ppmReb M + SG102200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 50 g2000.002550.0350Reb M + SG102200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 50 g2000.004949.01100Reb M + SG102200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.009724.22400Reb M + SG102200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.012324.64499Reb M + SG102200 ppm Reb M solution (above) to 25 g2000.015325.60598

Sensory Comments

Reb M: Similar sweetness to 200 ppm Reb M, slightly more rounded than 200 ppm Reb M

TABLE 10Reb A alone or in combination with different amounts of SG101 in WaterActualSGSG mass (g)H2O mass (g)ppmReb A0.1000500.07200Reb A0.0254101.02251Reb A0.0304101.50300Reb-A0.039899.58400Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.002346.549Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.005555.00100Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.005225.95200Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.010024.96401Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.012023.99500Reb A + SG101200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.015325.5600

Sensory Comments

Reb A+SG101 (49 ppm): slightly less sweet than 200 ppm RebA (“200A”) but less spiky and slightly more rounded, bit lower in licorice, slight decrease in bitter, not similar in sweetness to Reb M at 200 ppm

Reb A+SG101 (100 ppm): slightly sweeter than 200A, less spiky, more rounded, more sucrosey, much lower in licorice and bitter than 200A, sweetness is not quite to 200M (200 ppm Reb M)

Reb A+SG101 (200 ppm): not spiky at all, closer to 250A in sweetness, less spiky, more rounded, more sucrosey, much lower in licorice and bitter than 200A, sweetness is not quite to 200M

Reb A+SG101 (401 ppm): closer to 250A in sweetness, more rounded, more sucrosey, much lower in licorice than 200A, bitterness jumps back into play

Reb A+SG101 (500 ppm): closer to 250A in sweetness, more rounded, more sucrosey, much lower in licorice than 200A, bitterness jumps back into play, add astringency

Reb A+SG101 (600 ppm): high bitter, may be a second type of bitterness, high astringency, metallic

TABLE 11Reb A alone or in combination with different amounts of SG102 in WaterActualSGSG mass (g)H2O mass (g)ppmReb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.003257.2256Reb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.005454.01100Reb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 50 g2000.005125.47200Reb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.010225.50400Reb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.013125.96505Reb A + SG102200 ppm Reb A solution (above) to 25 g2000.014724.62597

Sensory Comments

Reb A+SG102 (56 ppm): much sweeter less bitter and no licorice compared to 200A, rounded sweetness, not spiky, approaching sweetness of 250A

Reb A+SG102 (200 ppm): sweeter than 250A may be not 300A, rounded sweetness, far less bitter and licorice compared to 300A, almost as sweet as 200M

Reb A+SG102 (400 ppm): sweeter than 250M, sweeter than 300A, far less bitter and licorice compared to 300A

Reb A+SG102 (505 ppm): sweet like 400A, rounded like sucrose, licorice and bitterness far less than 400A

Reb A+SG102 (597 ppm): sweeter, more rounded version of 400A, licorice and bitterness far less than 400A

In summary, SG101 and SG102 are less sweet than SG103 and SG104, but all 4 show benefits as a sensory modifier. For example, SEVs for SG101 and SG102 at 200 ppm are 0.6 and 1.0, respectively; SEV=1.6 for SG101 at 500 ppm and SEV=1.2 at 400 ppm; and SEV=1.5 for SG102 at 400 ppm (as measured in a citric acid buffer at pH=3.0). Thus, at ppm<500, SG101 may be employed as a sensory modifier, and at ppm<400, SG102 may be employed as a sensory modifier in a beverage.

The tested combinations exhibit beneficial temporal aspects (i.e., improved onset time of sweetness) or sweetness quality/characteristics (“surcrosey” or rounded vs. spiky or artificial); some also modify astringency (relates to “drying mouthfeel” or “puckering” aspects) and reduced bitterness and licorice aftertaste.