Purified Stevia Extract And Vitamin E Acetate

Purified stevia extract is a high-intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The leaves are harvested, dried, and then steeped in hot water to extract the sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides. These extracts are then purified and processed to create a white, crystalline powder.

Purified stevia extract is used as a zero-calorie sweetener in a wide variety of food and beverage products. Manufacturers add it to reduce sugar and calorie content while maintaining sweetness. It is commonly found in diet sodas, flavored waters, yogurts, and tabletop sweeteners.

Purified stevia extracts (specifically high-purity steviol glycosides) are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as sweeteners. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated steviol glycosides and established acceptable daily intake levels. While generally recognized as safe, some people report mild gastrointestinal upset at very high intakes. Vitamin E acetate is a form of vitamin E, a nutrient essential for health, and is also permitted in foods.