Fermentation for Reb M – How Rice Becomes Stevia-Free Reb M

In one sentence: Non-GMO, food-grade microbes convert rice-sourced ingredients into Reb M via fermentation, enabling stevia-free labeling with a clean, balanced sweetness curve.
Also known as: Reb M from rice-sourced ingredients; fermented Reb M; fermentation-derived Reb M; Reb M from rice
Key facts: stevia-free; zero glycemic response; batch-to-batch consistency; scalable supply
Use cases: proteins; hydration/RTDs; gummies; soft chews; functional foods 
Learn more: Check out our Reb M from rice – OnoSweet®; going stevia free?; Why rice makes a better Reb M; and the taste differences between Reb A vs Reb M

TL;DR

Fermentation produces stevia-free Reb M using rice, yielding consistent lots and a balanced sweetness curve, like our OnoSweet®, which is Non-GMO Project Verified.

What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is a modern, food‑grade process where carefully selected, non‑GMO microbes produce a specific molecule – in this case, Reb M, a steviol glycoside known for its sugar‑like sweetness. Instead of extracting complex mixtures from stevia leaves, we utilize microbes to make just what we want, from a simple carbon source.

Plainly put: microbes eat carbohydrates and make Reb M. When those carbohydrates are rice‑sourced, the result is a cleaner‑tasting Reb M with fewer off‑notes.

Why Rice, and Why it Tastes Different

• Stevia leaf extraction can carry sharper, licorice‑like notes due to its mixed glycoside composition
• Sugarcane/corn can trend thinner or slightly metallic in finish
• Rice tends to yield a smoother glycoside profile, fewer bitter byproducts and a rounder, more sugar‑like taste

The outcome is a sweetness curve that builds smoothly at higher use levels, without peaking or tipping into bitterness, making it easier to scale in beverages, powders and functional foods. Essentially, the more you add, the sweeter it tastes. Practically speaking, this is the pathway behind OnoSweet® – a stevia‑free Reb M produced using rice; which is why its sweetness reads rounder and more sugar‑like in finished products.

Where OnoSweet® Fits

OnoSweet® is our rice‑sourced Reb M – a natural, zero‑calorie sweetener designed for stevia‑free labels and a clean, sweet taste. In practice, brands see smoother curves, easier scaling, and less time chasing aftertaste. Even better, OnoSweet® is Non‑GMO Project Verified.

How this Differs from Leaf Extraction

Leaf extraction starts with a complex plant matrix. That means more variability, more co‑extracted compounds, and more work to reach a consistent sensory profile. Precision fermentation starts with a targeted pathway – the microbe is tasked with making Reb M directly, which supports both batch‑to‑batch consistency and a cleaner sensory outcome.

Sustainability Signals

Fermentation is compact and efficient. It can reduce reliance on large‑scale leaf cultivation and extraction, and with rice‑sourced carbohydrates, it supports predictable supply and quality.

Key Points at a Glance

• Fermentation = non‑GMO microbes producing a specific target molecule (Reb M) from a carbohydrate substrate
• Rice‑sourced Reb M supports a cleaner purity profile and rounder sweetness
• Result: consistent supply, stevia‑free labeling, Non‑GMO Project Verified status and a sweet taste profile you can use in many applications

FAQs

Is fermented Reb M the same molecule as Reb M from stevia leaves?

Yes. Reb M is Reb M – the molecule is the same. The difference is how it’s made and how that process impacts taste perception in finished products.

Does OnoSweet® contain stevia?

No. OnoSweet® is stevia‑free; it is Reb M produced using rice.

Is OnoSweet® non‑GMO?

Yes. OnoSweet® is Non‑GMO Project Verified

Why does rice matter?

Fermentation sources influence purity and byproduct profiles. Rice‑sourced carbohydrates tend to support a cleaner profile and a smoother, more sugar‑like taste.

Is fermented Reb M considered natural?

Regulatory definitions vary by region. Many markets classify fermentation‑derived Reb M as natural when produced using food‑grade processes and substrates. Confirm with your regulatory team.

What about glycemic response?

OnoSweet® provides sweetness with zero glycemic response.

Ready to Explore OnoSweet®?

If you’re developing stevia‑free products and want clean, sugar‑like sweetness, explore OnoSweet® and request a sample at sales@compoundsolutions.com.