Abstract: Provided is a sweetener composition comprising: an extract from the leaves of the Stevia Rebaudiana plant and/or an extract from the leaves of the Rubus suavissimus plant; and an extract from the fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family; wherein the ratio of a:b is in the range 50:50 to 95:05 and a method of making such composition and its use in a beverage or foodstuff. Also provided is a method of improving the taste of a beverage or foodstuff comprising incorporating the sweetener composition into the beverage or foodstuff.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sweetener composition comprising; an extract of a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family; at least one sugar alcohol; and a component selected from at least one salt of a monocarboxylic acid and/or at least one salt of a dicarboxylic acid, at least one of an alkali metal cation and/or an alkaline earth metal cation or combinations thereof. A method of making such a sweetener composition and the use of the composition in beverage of foodstuffs is also provided. Further, the use of, in combination, at least one sugar alcohol and at least one salt of a monocarboxylic acid and/or at least one salt of a dicarboxylic acid, for reducing a bitter taste of an extract of a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family, within a sweetener composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of improving the taste of an extract of a fruit from the Cucurbitaceae family provided as a liquid comprising the extract is offered, said method comprising heating the liquid to a temperature above 60° C. such that at least one off-flavor material is removed by evaporation. The use of the method in making a beverage or a foodstuff is also disclosed.