Does Koia Have Stevia? What to Know About Their Sweeteners

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Koia beverages are known for being low in sugar, and while many rely solely on monk fruit, some specific products, like the Elite protein powder, do contain stevia. Understanding the ingredient variations can help you choose the right drink for your dietary preferences.

Quick Summary

Koia uses a mix of sweeteners, with stevia appearing in some specific products like protein powders, while many liquid shakes primarily use monk fruit and organic cane sugar.

Key Points

Stevia Varies by Product: The presence of stevia in Koia products is not universal; it depends on the specific item and formulation.
Elite Protein Powder Contains Stevia: The Koia Elite Vanilla Protein Powder is confirmed to include organic stevia extract (Reb A) in its ingredients.
Many Shakes Use Monk Fruit: Most of Koia's ready-to-drink shakes, like the Vanilla Bean, use a blend of monk fruit extract and organic cane sugar for sweetness.
Always Check the Label: Because recipes and product lines vary, the most reliable method for determining sweetener content is to read the ingredient list on the product itself.
Sweeteners Affect Taste Profile: Koia uses different sweeteners to achieve specific taste profiles; stevia can have an aftertaste, while monk fruit is known for a cleaner flavor.
Monk Fruit is Common in Kids' Line: Koia's line of Kids shakes uses monk fruit and agave fiber as its primary sweeteners.

Koia's Sweetener Strategy

Koia has built its brand on offering low-sugar, plant-based protein shakes, a commitment that means carefully choosing its sweetening agents. Instead of relying on high-fructose corn syrup or artificial options, the company uses a blend of natural sweeteners across its product lines. The most common combination involves monk fruit extract and a small amount of organic cane sugar. However, the presence of stevia is dependent on the specific product, and consumers must check the ingredient list to be certain.

Products Containing Stevia

While most of Koia's ready-to-drink shakes do not contain stevia, the Elite line, formulated for higher protein content, is one exception. The Koia 32g Elite Vanilla Protein Powder sold at retailers like Costco specifically lists "Organic Stevia Extract (Reb A)" on its ingredients panel, alongside organic cane sugar. It is important to note that the Elite ready-to-drink shakes may differ from the powder version. Because recipes can change and different product lines have varying formulations, reading the label is the most reliable method for confirming sweetener use.

Sweeteners in Popular Koia Products

For many of its standard protein shakes and powders, Koia opts for monk fruit extract and a small amount of organic cane sugar. Here's a quick breakdown of some popular varieties:

Original Protein Shakes (e.g., Vanilla Bean, Cacao Bean): These typically use monk fruit extract and organic cane sugar for sweetness. Monk fruit offers a high-intensity, calorie-free sweet flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture of the plant-based milk and protein blend.
Koia Kids Shakes: This line uses a combination of organic blue agave fiber and monk fruit, specifically formulated to reduce sugar intake for children.
Fruity Cereal Protein Shake: In some versions of this flavor, the sweet taste comes from monk fruit and cane sugar, as it is positioned as a low-sugar, plant-based option.

Stevia vs. Monk Fruit: What's the Difference?

Both stevia and monk fruit are natural, plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners, but they have distinct differences in taste and properties. Koia’s decision to use one over the other in different product lines is likely based on flavor profiles and consumer preferences.


Feature	Stevia (Reb A)	Monk Fruit Extract
Source	Stevia rebaudiana plant leaves	Monk fruit (or Luo Han Guo)
Sweetness	Up to 400x sweeter than sugar	Up to 200x sweeter than sugar
Taste Profile	Can have a licorice-like or slightly bitter aftertaste	Generally has a fruity taste without the lingering aftertaste
Processing	Highly purified extracts are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.	Less refined than some stevia preparations.
Potential Side Effects	Mild digestive issues like bloating or nausea for some individuals.	Considered safe by the FDA with no reported side effects.

Why Does Koia Use Different Sweeteners?

Product formulation is a careful balance of flavor, cost, and desired health profile. By using a mix of sweeteners, Koia can cater to different palates and product requirements. The Koia Elite powder, for instance, might use stevia to achieve a specific level of sweetness and calorie profile for a higher-protein, low-sugar product. For its core drink line, the smooth and clean taste of monk fruit may be a better fit to avoid any bitterness, which is particularly important for consumers with sensitive palates. This targeted approach allows the brand to optimize its ingredients for each consumer segment, whether they are focused on fitness, children's nutrition, or general health.

Conclusion: Always Read the Label

While the answer to "Does Koia have stevia?" is not a simple yes or no, the brand is transparent about its ingredients. The key takeaway is that most ready-to-drink shakes are sweetened with monk fruit and organic cane sugar, but specific items, like the Elite protein powder, contain stevia. For those with a sensitivity to stevia or simply preferring monk fruit, checking the nutritional information on each product is the definitive way to know what you're consuming. This ensures you can enjoy a Koia shake that aligns with your taste and dietary needs. For additional nutritional information, Koia's website is a valuable resource.

Sources:

Koia Ingredients + Their Roles with Hailey Gorski, RDN, drinkkoia.com
Koia 32g Elite Vanilla Protein Powder - Costco Wholesale, costco.com
Why Monk Fruit is the Next Best All Natural Sweetener, drinkkoia.com
Vanilla Bean Protein Shakes, drinkkoia.com
Stevia Is Sweet — But Is It Good for You?, health.clevelandclinic.org

Frequently Asked Questions

The presence of stevia varies by product. For example, the Koia Elite Vanilla Protein Powder contains organic stevia extract. However, many of the standard protein shakes use monk fruit and organic cane sugar instead.

For most of their ready-to-drink protein shakes, Koia uses a combination of monk fruit extract and a small amount of organic cane sugar.

No, the Vanilla Bean protein shake uses monk fruit extract and organic cane sugar for its sweetness, not stevia.

No, Koia uses natural sweeteners derived from plants, such as monk fruit and stevia, depending on the product. They do not use artificial sweeteners.

The most reliable way is to check the ingredient list on the product's label. This will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on the sweeteners used.

The company uses different sweeteners to achieve specific flavor profiles and nutrient compositions for each product line. This strategy allows for variety and targets different consumer preferences.

Yes, monk fruit and stevia are different plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners. Monk fruit is known for a cleaner, less lingering taste compared to stevia, which can have a slight aftertaste for some.