Stevioside

Stevioside is a sweet compound extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. It is one of several steviol glycosides that give the plant its intense sweetness. The extraction process typically involves water or alcohol to isolate the glycosides from the plant material, followed by purification.

Stevioside is used as a high-intensity, 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 diet sodas, sugar-free candies, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners.

Stevioside is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when used 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, including stevioside, and found them safe for consumption within specified limits. Research indicates that stevioside does not significantly impact blood glucose levels, making it a popular sugar substitute for individuals managing diabetes. Some studies have explored potential effects on gut bacteria, but evidence is not conclusive.