Oak Brook, IL — The FDA has given Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) approval to the use of a stevia-based sweetener made by PureCircle as an ingredient in food and beverages.

The high purity sweetener, SG95, is made with steviol glycosides and can be used in place of sugar to achieve calorie reduction and lower cost, according to the company.

With the FDA’s GRAS approval, the company says it will be able to offer a wider variety of stevia-based sweetener options to the U.S. market.