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What it is
This is a sugar substitute made from the stevia plant, a small shrub native to South America. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted from the leaves and purified. These compounds are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use stevia extracts as a zero-calorie sweetener in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It is commonly found in diet sodas, yogurts, desserts, and tabletop sweeteners. It helps reduce the sugar and calorie content of products.
Health notes
High-purity steviol glycosides are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a sweetener. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated stevia extracts and set acceptable daily intakes. Research suggests that at typical consumption levels, stevia sweeteners do not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Some people report a bitter aftertaste, and research is ongoing regarding potential effects of less purified stevia products.
Allergen info
Stevia is derived from a plant and is not one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.