Extract Of Stevia

Stevia extract, also known as steviol glycosides, comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweet compounds are extracted from the leaves and then purified.

Manufacturers use stevia extract as a high-intensity, zero-calorie sweetener. It is found in a wide variety of foods and beverages, including soft drinks, baked goods, desserts, and tabletop sweeteners.

Stevia extracts are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a sweetener. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated steviol glycosides. While generally considered safe, some people report mild digestive upset at very high intakes. Research continues into its long-term effects.