Del Monte is set to launch its first range of juice drinks using Stevia, a natural South American-grown sweetener that is 250 times sweeter than regular sugars.

Del Monte’s Naturally Light range contains a maximum of 63 calories per glass and it claims to be the first juice drink on UK shelves to contain a natural sweetener.

"The Stevia ingredient is 250 times sweeter than other sugars, enabling juice drinks to be made with a fraction of the sugar content previously possible," explains Tony Gill, Del Monte UK commercial director.

The range will come in three flavours: Mango & Papaya, Pineapple & Lime, and Superfruits, and according to Del Monte each provides 100 per cent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C and 50 per cent of the RDA of vitamins B, E and Selenium.

Gill added: "We have listened closely to consumers’ health concerns and Naturally Light fits the bill perfectly, with a high juice and vitamin content but just half the sugar and calories of standard juice and juice drinks."

Del Monte Naturally Light will launch in Tesco and Sainsbury's stores from mid-August.