Stevia (steviol glycosides)

Stevia-derived sweetener extracted from Stevia rebaudiana leaves. Non-caloric. Some individuals report GI sensitivity at high doses.

• stevia
• steviol glycosides
• steviol glycoside
• stevia glycosides
• stevia glycoside
• rebaudioside a
• rebaudioside-a
• reb a
• reb-a
• rebaudioside m
• rebaudioside d
• stevia extract
• stevia leaf extract
• stevia leaf
• stevia rebaudiana
• stevia powder
• e960

No bans or restrictions are recorded for this ingredient in the jurisdictions clearlabel tracks (US, EU, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia/NZ, Brazil).

Stevia is a non-caloric sweetener made from steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds in the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is many times sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed, and it adds essentially no calories. Common purified forms include rebaudioside A and rebaudioside M, often listed as Reb A or Reb M. It is used in diet drinks, tabletop sweeteners, and reduced-sugar products.

Stevia sits low on the severity scale and is broadly accepted by regulators. The FDA has allowed purified high-purity steviol glycosides as generally recognized as safe since 2008, and EFSA approved steviol glycosides in 2011 with a defined acceptable daily intake, listing them as E960. Clear Label flags stevia mostly for transparency and because some people report a lingering aftertaste or mild digestive upset at higher doses. Whole stevia leaf and crude extracts do not have the same approved status as the purified glycosides in the US. Overall the evidence supports low concern at normal use, so this is a marker to help you notice it in your logs rather than a warning.

• Zero-sugar and diet sodas
• Tabletop sweetener packets and blends
• Reduced-sugar yogurts and dairy drinks
• Flavored waters and teas
• Protein bars and shakes
• Sugar-free candy and gum

Stevia can appear as stevia, steviol glycosides, stevia leaf extract, or by specific glycoside names like rebaudioside A (Reb A) or rebaudioside M. In the EU it is E960. It is often blended with erythritol or other sweeteners, so the ingredient list may show more than one sweetener.

Some people who dislike the aftertaste choose monk fruit sweeteners, or simply unsweetened drinks and smaller amounts of regular sugar. Plain water, coffee, or tea without sweetener avoids the question entirely.

• FDA food additive status list
• EFSA scientific opinion on steviol glycosides (E960)

fda.gov