Is It Safe to Chew Stevia Leaves? The FDA's Perspective
Many people are drawn to the idea of using a fresh, natural sweetener directly from the source. The stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana), native to South America, has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples who chewed the leaves for their intense sweetness. However, the modern food and safety landscape has introduced important distinctions between the raw leaf and its highly processed counterpart. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) status to highly purified steviol glycosides—the refined extract—but has not approved the use of whole stevia leaves or crude extracts in food.
This distinction is crucial. When you chew a stevia leaf, you are ingesting a complex mix of compounds that have not undergone the same rigorous safety evaluations as the purified extracts. The FDA cites a lack of toxicological data for these unrefined forms, raising concerns about potential impacts on the kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. While many people use homegrown stevia leaves for tea without issue, the absence of extensive, standardized testing means that regular or large-scale consumption of the raw leaf carries an unknown risk profile, especially for sensitive individuals or those with certain health conditions.
Why Processed Stevia Differs from the Raw Leaf
The sweetness in the stevia plant comes from sweet-tasting compounds called steviol glycosides. During commercial processing, these glycosides are extracted from dried leaves, purified, and isolated. This process removes other plant compounds that may cause a licorice-like or bitter aftertaste and haven't been evaluated for safety. The result is a highly concentrated, pure product that regulatory bodies have deemed safe for consumption within recommended limits.
- Refinement process: Raw leaves are dried and steeped in hot water, with the resulting liquid filtered and purified to isolate the steviol glycosides.
- FDA approval: Only the highly purified extract has GRAS status, not the whole leaf.
- Safety concerns: The FDA's caution with whole-leaf stevia stems from a lack of research, not necessarily definitive evidence of harm.
Practical Alternatives for Using Stevia Leaves
If you grow your own stevia plant and prefer a less-processed approach, there are safer ways to incorporate the leaves into your diet than chewing them raw:
- Stevia leaf tea: Add one or two fresh leaves directly to your hot herbal tea. The heat helps release the sweet compounds.
- Dried leaf powder: Dry stevia leaves and grind them into a powder to use in small amounts for sweetening beverages or foods. Be aware that this form will have a greenish tint and may have a stronger, lingering aftertaste compared to commercial extracts.
- Stevia syrup: Boil dried stevia leaves in distilled water to create a concentrated syrup that can be stored in the refrigerator.
Comparison Table: Raw Stevia Leaf vs. Purified Stevia Extract
| Feature | Raw Stevia Leaf | Purified Stevia Extract |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Unprocessed; contains all plant compounds. | Highly refined; isolates specific steviol glycosides. |
| Sweetness Concentration | Less potent; a small leaf provides moderate sweetness. | Highly concentrated; 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. |
| Aftertaste | Often has a distinctive, sometimes bitter or licorice-like aftertaste. | Designed to minimize or eliminate the aftertaste for broader appeal. |
| Regulatory Status | Not FDA-approved for use as a food additive. | Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. |
| Use Case | Home use for teas or infusions, in small quantities. | Commercial food and beverage production, baking, and everyday sweetening. |
| Research | Limited scientific research on long-term safety. | Extensively studied and considered safe for consumption. |
Conclusion: Chew with Caution
While chewing a single stevia leaf is unlikely to cause immediate harm, especially given centuries of traditional use, it is not the recommended or safest method for consistent use. The primary reason for caution is the lack of extensive scientific research on the long-term safety of ingesting all the compounds found in the unrefined leaf. For this reason, food safety agencies like the FDA have not approved whole-leaf stevia for food use, reserving their approval for the highly purified extracts. For those seeking the sweetness of stevia with the lowest possible risk, sticking to commercially available, FDA-approved purified extracts is the safest and most reliable option. If you are using fresh leaves from a homegrown plant, moderate your intake and consider steeping them in tea instead of chewing them directly. As with any herbal supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions, it is always wise to consult a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chewing raw stevia leaves taste like?
Chewing raw stevia leaves provides an intense sweetness that is very concentrated, often with a slightly licorice-like or herbal aftertaste that some people find bitter. The taste is not the same as the processed, refined stevia powder found in stores.
Why hasn't the FDA approved whole-leaf stevia for use in food?
The FDA has not approved whole-leaf stevia due to a lack of sufficient toxicological data regarding its potential health impacts. The approval only applies to the highly purified steviol glycosides, which have been extensively studied.
Is it safe to grow and use stevia leaves at home?
Yes, you can grow stevia plants at home, and many people use the leaves in small quantities for things like making tea. However, this is at your own discretion, as the leaves themselves are not FDA-approved for food use.
How can I best use fresh stevia leaves from my garden?
Fresh stevia leaves are best used by steeping them in hot water to make tea. You can also dry the leaves and grind them into a powder for use as a sweetener, though this will still have a green color and taste.
Are there any side effects from consuming raw stevia leaves?
Reported side effects for some individuals include bloating, nausea, or dizziness, though this can sometimes be attributed to the sugar alcohols used in some blended stevia products. Regular consumption of raw leaves is not well-studied.
Can people with diabetes use raw stevia leaves?
While purified stevia extracts are generally considered safe for people with diabetes, there is less research on the effects of whole leaves. Individuals with diabetes should consult their doctor before using raw stevia leaves, as it could affect blood sugar levels.
Why is commercial stevia extract considered safer than the whole leaf?
Commercial stevia extract is considered safer because it is a highly purified product, containing only the specific steviol glycosides that have been rigorously tested and deemed safe by food safety organizations. All other potentially untested plant compounds have been removed during processing.
