Stevia Extract

Stevia extract is a high-intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted from the leaves and then purified. Different steviol glycosides have varying flavor profiles and sweetness levels.

Manufacturers add stevia extract to foods and beverages as a low-calorie sweetener. It is often used in products where sugar reduction is desired, such as diet drinks, sugar-free desserts, and tabletop sweeteners. It can also be found in some processed foods like snack bars and fruit juices.

Stevia extract is 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 and established acceptable daily intakes. At typical consumption levels, stevia extract is not associated with adverse health effects for most people. Some individuals may experience mild digestive upset, but robust scientific evidence does not link stevia consumption to significant health risks.