Stevia
What is Stevia?
Stevia is a high-intensity sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted from the leaves and purified.
Is Stevia vegan?
Stevia is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Stevia gluten-free?
Stevia is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.
What is Stevia used for?
Manufacturers use stevia to provide sweetness with zero calories.
Is Stevia safe?
High-purity steviol glycosides are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a sweetener.
Why it's used
Manufacturers use stevia to provide sweetness with zero calories. It is commonly found in beverages, dairy products, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners.
Health notes
High-purity steviol glycosides are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a sweetener. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated steviol glycosides and established acceptable daily intakes. Research suggests stevia does not significantly impact blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for those managing their sugar intake.
Allergen info
Stevia is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens and does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Stevia
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