Decoding the Label: Does Stevia in the Raw Contain Cane Sugar?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

A 2017 study found that stevia provides health benefits for managing type 2 diabetes by stabilizing blood glucose, but the answer to the question, 'Does stevia in the raw contain cane sugar?', is more complex than a simple yes or no, as it depends on which specific product version you purchase.

Quick Summary

The presence of cane sugar in 'Stevia In The Raw' depends on the specific product: the organic version contains it, while the standard zero-calorie packets and baking bags use bulking agents like dextrose and maltodextrin instead.

Key Points

Ingredient Differences: The standard Stevia In The Raw packets use dextrose as a bulking agent, not cane sugar.
Organic Version: The Organic Stevia In The Raw product is specifically blended with organic cane sugar.
Baking Product: The bulk 'Bakers Bag' version of Stevia In The Raw uses maltodextrin as its filler.
Calorie Status: Both the dextrose and cane sugar blends are labeled 'zero-calorie' because their low content per serving qualifies under FDA regulations.
Purpose of Blending: Stevia leaf extract is blended with other ingredients to make the potent sweetener measurable and improve its taste.
Consumer Takeaway: The most reliable way to know what's in your product is to read the specific ingredient list on the package.

Understanding the Different Varieties of Stevia in the Raw

Contrary to a common assumption, not all products labeled 'Stevia In The Raw' are formulated in the same way. The brand produces several versions, and their ingredients vary significantly. For anyone concerned about sugar intake, knowing these distinctions is crucial for making an informed choice, especially when the products look similar on the shelf. The manufacturer uses different non-stevia ingredients to provide bulk and sweetness, which is necessary because purified stevia leaf extract is up to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Using stevia extract alone in a normal proportion would result in overpowering sweetness and be difficult to measure for consumers.

Standard Stevia In The Raw (Zero-Calorie Packets)

The most widely recognized version of the product comes in small, individual packets. These packets are labeled as having zero calories, and their ingredient list consists of dextrose and stevia leaf extract. Dextrose is a plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn, not cane sugar. It acts as a bulking agent to dilute the highly concentrated stevia extract, making it measurable for a user. According to the brand, this product contains less than 4 calories per serving, which the FDA considers dietetically zero, hence the zero-calorie label.

Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag

For those who use the sweetener for cooking and baking, the bulk 'Bakers Bag' is a common choice. However, its ingredients also differ from cane sugar. This version uses maltodextrin, another plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn, as its bulking agent. Like the packets, this is used to create a 1:1 cup-for-cup sweetening equivalency with sugar, without adding any meaningful calories. Both dextrose and maltodextrin are used to create the desired texture and volume needed for cooking and baking where pure stevia extract would fail to provide the right structure.

Organic Stevia In The Raw (Packets)

This is the key product to scrutinize if you are trying to avoid cane sugar. The Organic Stevia In The Raw version explicitly lists organic cane sugar as one of its primary ingredients, along with organic stevia leaf extract. The manufacturer states that this blend was created to balance the sweetness and achieve a delicious taste. Although it contains cane sugar, each packet still only has a few calories (specifically, 3 calories per packet, which is considered dietetically zero by the FDA). If you are following a strict no-sugar diet, such as a keto diet, this version is not suitable due to its sugar content.

Why Do They Add Other Ingredients?

The inclusion of bulking agents or sugars is a common practice among sweetener manufacturers. The goal is to make the product easy to use for consumers in everyday applications like sweetening coffee or baking. Pure, concentrated stevia extract is simply too potent to be used directly in typical household measurements. The added ingredients, such as dextrose, maltodextrin, and cane sugar, serve a few key purposes:

Volume: They provide the necessary bulk so a small packet or cup measures similarly to sugar.
Flavor: In the case of Organic Stevia In The Raw, the added cane sugar helps balance the sometimes-bitter aftertaste that some people perceive with stevia extract alone.
Functionality: For baking, bulk and structure are essential. Fillers like maltodextrin help mimic the function of sugar in a recipe.

Comparison of Stevia In The Raw Products


Feature	Standard Stevia In The Raw Packets	Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag	Organic Stevia In The Raw Packets
Contains Cane Sugar?	No	No	Yes (Organic Cane Sugar)
Bulking Agent	Dextrose	Maltodextrin	Organic Cane Sugar
Calories Per Serving	0 (dietetically zero)	0 (dietetically zero)	3 (dietetically zero)
Label Claim	Zero-Calorie Sweetener	Zero-Calorie Sweetener	Zero-Calorie Sweetener
Primary Use	Hot & cold beverages, sprinkling	Baking, cooking	Hot & cold beverages, sprinkling

Conclusion: Always Read the Label to be Sure

In summary, the question "Does stevia in the raw contain cane sugar?" has a nuanced answer. The standard zero-calorie packets and the bulk bakers bag do not contain cane sugar, using dextrose and maltodextrin respectively as diluting agents. However, the Organic Stevia In The Raw product does contain organic cane sugar as part of its blend. For those monitoring their sugar intake or following specific diets, the difference is critical. The key takeaway is to always check the ingredient list on the specific product packaging to ensure it meets your dietary requirements. For further information on the extraction and production process of stevia, the National Institutes of Health provides an extensive resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a significant difference in ingredients. The standard zero-calorie packets use dextrose, while the organic version is blended with organic cane sugar.

Dextrose is a plant-based carbohydrate derived from corn. It is used to dilute the very potent stevia leaf extract, making it measurable and easier for consumers to use, with negligible calories per serving.

Each packet of Organic Stevia In The Raw contains a small amount of cane sugar, which results in only 3 calories per packet. The FDA considers less than 4 calories per serving to be 'dietetically zero,' allowing for the label.

The bulk Bakers Bag of Stevia In The Raw uses maltodextrin, another corn-based carbohydrate, as its bulking agent. It does not contain cane sugar.

You should check the label carefully. While the standard packets with dextrose may be suitable for some, the organic version with cane sugar would not fit a strict keto diet. The bulk baking bag with maltodextrin should also be used with caution.

According to the manufacturer's FAQ, Stevia In The Raw packets and bulk products do not contain erythritol. It is important to note that other brands of stevia products might use different fillers.

Pure stevia leaf extract is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and would be difficult to measure and use in small, normal quantities. Blending with bulking agents provides a functional and consumer-friendly product.