Preservative And Stevia

Stevia is a sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted and purified from the leaves. These extracts are then processed to create a concentrated sweetener.

Stevia is used as a zero-calorie sweetener in a wide variety of food and beverage products. Manufacturers add it to reduce sugar content while maintaining sweetness. It is commonly found in yogurts, beverages, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners.

Steviol glycosides from stevia have been evaluated by the FDA and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as sweeteners. JECFA has also evaluated steviol glycosides and established an acceptable daily intake. While generally considered safe, some individuals may experience mild digestive upset at very high intakes. Research is ongoing regarding potential long-term effects, but current evidence does not suggest significant health risks at typical consumption levels.