Stevia
Learn what Stevia (Stevia) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Generally recognized as safeWhat is Stevia?
Stevia is a plant with green leaves, native to South America, scientifically named *Stevia rebaudiana*, and belongs to the chrysanthemum family, a subgroup of the Asteraceae family (the same family as ragweed). As with other non-caloric sweeteners, stevia's taste can be a challenge, as it is sometimes considered slightly bitter, similar to licorice, or menthol-like. This is why sweeteners made by extracting steviol glycosides from the leaves of the stevia plant are purified to remove the bitter attributes found in raw extracts.
Why is Stevia added to food?
Stevia (Stevia) is a sweetener commonly found in: Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for sugar in many foods and beverages..
Is Stevia banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Stevia okay for kids?
Experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the JECFA committee (a scientific body that brings together top specialists in food and health from the U.S.) have concluded that high-purity stevia sweeteners are safe for children. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also concluded that high-purity steviol glycosides are safe for consumption within the acceptable daily intake limit.
Common foods that contain Stevia
- Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for sugar in many foods and beverages.
How to spot Stevia on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- Stevia
- Stevia
Common misspellings to watch for:
- $tevia
- stevia
- stevla
- stevid
Better alternatives
• May cause rare allergic reactions in people sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. • Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea. • People with low blood pressure should use Stevia with caution, as it may further lower blood pressure. • Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.
Also known as
- $tevia
- stevia
- stevla
- stevid
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Stevia? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including Stevia — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Stevia
- Is Stevia safe to eat?
- Stevia has a harm level of 0 out of 3. Generally recognized as safe.
- Is Stevia banned anywhere?
- Stevia is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Stevia safe for children?
- Experts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the JECFA committee (a scientific body that brings together top specialists in food and health from the U.S.) have concluded that high-purity stevia sweeteners are safe for children. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also concluded that high-purity steviol glycosides are safe for consumption within the acceptable daily intake limit.
- How do I spot Stevia on a food label?
- Look for Stevia, Stevia in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: $tevia, stevia, stevla.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.