Rebaudioside a and stevioside compositions

Abstract

The invention describes stevia compositions that are devoid of or have minimal concentrations of rebaudioside C and/or dulcoside A to decrease the aftertaste associated with stevia compositions.

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