Portland, Oregon-- Icon Foods, in collaboration with China's BioLotus Technology Lasa Inc., announced the launch of a new sweetener called RA99M, in apress release.

RA99M is a compounded stevia-based sweetener made from multiple extracts, including Rebaudioside M and Rebaudioside A, and is described as "350 times"  sweeter than sugar, according to the company. Food and beverage manufacturers will be able to purchase RA99M in 1-kg bags, 10 kg boxes or 20 kg drums, to be used only for commercial use.

"RA99M is a clean and neutral flavor profile that works well in ready-to-drink products thanks to its remarkable smoothness," said Thom King, president and CEO of Icon Foods, in the release. "It's an affordable plug-in replacement for Reb-M and is specifically created for manufacturers who produce protein beverages, such as those involving dairy that use ultra-high temperatures in their packaging."