Consumables comprising a sweetener and at least one compound of the formulae described are provided herein, wherein the sweetener comprises a sweetening amount of rebaudioside M and/or a sweetening amount of at least one mogroside. The at least one compound of the formulae described herein enhances the sweetness of the consumable and/or modulates one or more taste attributes to make the consumable taste more like a sucrose-sweetened consumable. Methods of enhancing the sweetness of a consumable, methods of making a consumable taste more like a sucrose-sweetened consumable and methods of preparing consumables are also detailed herein. ##STR00001##

The present disclosure provides a novel sweetener composition of improved taste of the sweetener (e.g., reduced bitterness and/or astringency, and improved overall sweet quality of the composition); food and beverage products containing the same; and methods of making the same.

A steviol glycoside composition having modified sensory attributes including reduced sweetness linger and/or increased sweetness intensity. The steviol glycoside composition comprises a steviol glycoside and a sensory modifier compound in an amount effective to modify the sensory attributes of the steviol glycoside.

A sensory modifier can provide a steviol glycoside composition with modified sensory attributes, e.g., reduced sweetness linger or reduced bitterness. One such sensory modifier includes a salt fraction and an acid fraction. The salt fraction may include a salt of a monocaffeoylquinic acid and/or a salt of a dicaffeoylquinic acid. The acid fraction may include a monocaffeoylquinic acid and/or a dicaffeoylquinic acid. The salt fraction is preferably at least 50 wt % of sensory modifier.

A sensory modifier can provide a steviol glycoside composition with modified sensory attributes, e.g., reduced sweetness linger or reduced bitterness. One such sensory modifier includes a salt fraction and an acid fraction. The salt fraction may include a salt of a monocaffeoylquinic acid and/or a salt of a dicaffeoylquinic acid. The acid fraction may include a monocaffeoylquinic acid and/or a dicaffeoylquinic acid. The salt fraction is preferably at least 50 wt % of sensory modifier.

The present invention relates to the use of sweet steviol glycoside compounds, particularly rebaudioside B, in sweetening compositions. Sweetening compositions comprising selected amounts of rebaudioside B have been shown to possess favorable flavor profiles when compared to other high intensity sweetener compounds and are useful in the preparation of consumables.

Methods of preparing steviol glycosides, including Rebaudioside D, Rebaudioside E, Rebaudioside M, Rebaudioside N and Rebaudioside O are provided herein. Sweetener and sweetened consumables containing Rebaudioside D, Rebaudioside E, Rebaudioside M, Rebaudioside N and Rebaudioside O are also provided herein.

Methods of preparing highly purified steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudiosides A, D and M are described. The methods include utilizing recombinant microorganisms for converting various staring compositions to target steviol glycosides. In addition, novel steviol glycosides reb D2 and reb M2 are disclosed, as are methods of preparing the same. The highly purified rebaudiosides are useful as non-caloric sweetener in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakery products, cookies, and chewing gums.

Methods of preparing highly purified steviol glycosides, particularly rebaudiosides A, D and M are described. The methods include utilizing recombinant microorganisms for converting various staring compositions to target steviol glycosides. In addition, novel steviol glycosides reb D2 and reb M2 are disclosed, as are methods of preparing the same. The highly purified rebaudiosides are useful as non-caloric sweetener in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectioneries, bakery products, cookies, and chewing gums.

The present invention relates to a steviol glycoside having the formula of (I) ##STR00001## wherein at least 3 sugar moieties are present at positions R1 and at least three sugar moieties are present at position R2 and wherein the steviol glycoside comprises at least seven sugar moieties all of which are linked, directly or indirectly, to the steviol aglycon by β-linkages.