Stevia
Stevia is a natural, no-calorie sweetener made from compounds in the leaves of the South American plant *Stevia rebaudiana*.
Stevia is a natural, no-calorie sweetener made from compounds in the leaves of the South American plant *Stevia rebaudiana*. It is much sweeter than table sugar and is used as a sugar substitute in foods and drinks. Regulatory bodies in the United States consider high-purity steviol glycosides safe for use within established intake limits.
Botany and source
Stevia refers to *Stevia rebaudiana*, a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. The plant is native to parts of South America and has long been used for its sweet leaves.
How stevia is used
Food manufacturers and consumers use purified stevia extracts to sweeten beverages, tabletop sweeteners, and reduced-sugar foods. Because it is intensely sweet, only very small amounts are needed.
Safety and regulation
High-purity steviol glycosides are considered safe by major regulatory and nutrition sources when used appropriately. Some sources note that whole-leaf stevia and crude extracts are not approved in the same way as purified extracts for processed foods in the U.S.
Nutrition and calories
Stevia is described as a non-nutritive or no-calorie sweetener. It does not provide sugar calories in the way table sugar does, which is why it is commonly used to reduce added sugar intake.
Key facts
- Stevia comes from the leaves of *Stevia rebaudiana*, a plant native to South America.
- The sweet taste comes from steviol glycosides, which are extracted and purified from the leaves.
- Stevia is used as a non-nutritive or no-calorie sweetener and does not meaningfully add carbohydrates or calories.
- It is much sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed.
- High-purity stevia extracts are considered safe for most people when consumed within established limits.
Stevia is relevant to Canadian readers as a widely used sugar substitute in foods and beverages, especially for people reducing sugar intake or managing calorie consumption. Canadian consumers commonly encounter stevia in tabletop sweeteners and packaged reduced-sugar products, although specific Canadian regulatory details are not included in the provided sources.
Frequently asked questions
What is stevia?
Is stevia safe?
Stevia vs sugar
Stevia side effects
How to use stevia
Stevia calories
References
- WebMD — Supports: Stevia is made from *Stevia rebaudiana* leaves; it is 200–400 times sweeter than sugar; high-purity steviol glycosides are considered safe; raw stevia is not FDA-approved.
- Cleveland Clinic — Supports: Food industry uses stevia leaves to make zero-calorie, zero-carb sugar substitutes.
- IFIC — Supports: Stevia sweeteners are safe to consume, are low- and no-calorie sweeteners, and do not raise blood glucose like sugar.
- Britannica — Supports: *Stevia rebaudiana* is a flowering plant in the aster family grown for its sweet-tasting leaves.
- Medical News Today — Supports: Stevia is no-calorie or very low calorie; high-purity stevia extract is considered safe; ADI information.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — Supports: Stevia is generally safe to use as a sweetener; side effects may include nausea and stomach fullness.
- PMC / review article — Supports: High-purity stevia leaf extract provides zero calories and ADI discussion.