Is it possible to get pure stevia? Deciphering the Labels for Your Diet

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Globally, high-purity stevia extract is approved for use as a food additive in over 150 countries, yet the term “pure stevia” on a package is not always what it seems. To understand if it's possible to get pure stevia, it's crucial to look beyond the marketing and examine what's actually inside the product you buy.

Quick Summary

While finding truly 100% pure stevia is unlikely, highly refined stevia extract exists and is safe for consumption. Most commercial products, however, are blends with other ingredients.

Key Points

Refined vs. Crude: Commercial "pure stevia" refers to highly refined stevia leaf extract, not the raw, crude leaf, which is not approved as a food additive.
Check Ingredients: The key to finding pure stevia extract is to read the ingredient list for 'stevia leaf extract' or 'steviol glycosides' and check for additives like erythritol or dextrose.
Look for Purity Percentage: A high-quality pure stevia extract product will indicate a minimum of 95% steviol glycosides, often with a high concentration of Rebaudioside A (Reb A).
Blends Serve a Purpose: Stevia blends are common for a reason, providing bulk and masking aftertaste, but they are not the same as a pure, concentrated extract.
Trust the Regulators: The FDA and other global authorities have deemed highly purified steviol glycosides safe for consumption, establishing acceptable daily intake levels.
Consider the Aftertaste: A less bitter taste can signify higher purity (more Reb A), as lower-quality extracts often have a more pronounced aftertaste.

Understanding the Different Forms of Stevia

When asking, "Is it possible to get pure stevia?", it is essential to understand the different forms available, from the plant's raw state to the refined powder in packets. Not all products are created equal, and the term "stevia" is often used broadly to describe several types of sweeteners derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant.

Crude Stevia (Green Leaf Powder)

This is the least processed form of stevia, consisting of dried and ground stevia leaves containing steviol glycosides. It has a strong aftertaste and doesn't dissolve well. The FDA does not permit crude stevia leaf as a food additive due to insufficient toxicological data.

Highly Refined Stevia Extract (The Regulatory Standard)

This is the only form of stevia approved as a food additive by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA. It must contain at least 95% steviol glycosides, with Rebaudioside A (Reb A) being a common, good-tasting type. Products with high Reb A content (60-98%) are considered high quality and better tasting.

Stevia Blends (The Common Supermarket Product)

Most commercial stevia products are blends of refined stevia extract with bulking agents like erythritol or maltodextrin. These fillers aid in measurement, provide bulk for baking, and help mask any aftertaste.

How to Identify a Truly Pure Stevia Product

For a health-conscious consumer on a nutrition diet, navigating the many stevia options requires vigilance. Here are key steps to ensure you are buying a product that is as pure as commercially possible:

Read the Ingredient List: A pure stevia extract product will only list "stevia leaf extract" or "steviol glycosides" as the sole ingredient. The presence of fillers like erythritol or dextrose indicates a blend. Some liquid products may contain alcohol or vegetable glycerin as carriers.
Check the Purity Percentage: Look for products specifying a minimum of 95% steviol glycosides, and ideally a high percentage of Reb A.
Avoid Misleading Labels: Marketing terms like "natural sweetness" don't guarantee purity. Rely on the ingredient list.

Pure Stevia Extract vs. Stevia Blends: A Comparison


Feature	Pure Stevia Extract (Highly Refined)	Stevia Blends (e.g., with Erythritol)
Composition	Minimum 95% steviol glycosides, often high in Reb A.	Small amount of stevia extract with fillers like erythritol, dextrose, or maltodextrin.
Best for	Sweetening beverages, smoothies, yogurt, or recipes where sweetness is the primary goal.	Replacing sugar 1:1 in baking, as the bulk mimics sugar's volume and texture.
Sweetness	Highly concentrated, up to 450 times sweeter than sugar. Requires careful dosing.	Less concentrated, designed to measure more like sugar.
Taste	Best-tasting pure forms (high Reb A) have a clean sweetness with minimal aftertaste. Lower quality can have a bitter or licorice aftertaste.	Blending with other ingredients often removes or minimizes any aftertaste.
Usage	Does not provide bulk, so it cannot fully replace sugar in baking recipes without additional ingredients.	Provides bulk and texture, making it more functional for baking.

Navigating Regulatory Guidelines and Safety

The FDA considers high-purity steviol glycosides as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) based on scientific evidence. This designation is for the refined extract only, not crude stevia leaf. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight, a level typically not exceeded with normal use. Stevia is generally safe for all populations, including children and pregnant women, and individuals with diabetes. However, those on certain medications, particularly for blood pressure or diabetes, should consult a healthcare provider due to potential drug interactions.

Conclusion: Finding Clarity on Pure Stevia

While truly 100% pure stevia in a singular compound form is not available, you can find highly refined, high-purity stevia extract. The common retail products are often blends, serving different purposes than the pure extract. By examining ingredient labels and understanding the distinction between crude leaf, refined extract, and blends, consumers can make informed choices for their nutrition diet. For minimal additives and high quality, opt for a pure stevia extract with high Reb A content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pure stevia extract consists of at least 95% steviol glycosides and has no additional fillers. Stevia blends combine this extract with bulking agents like erythritol, dextrose, or maltodextrin to improve texture and make measuring easier.

No. The U.S. FDA has not approved the use of raw, crude stevia leaf as a food additive due to a lack of sufficient toxicological information. Only the highly purified steviol glycosides derived from the leaf are considered safe for consumption.

You must read the ingredient list. If the only ingredient is 'stevia leaf extract' or 'steviol glycosides,' it is a pure product. If other ingredients like erythritol, dextrose, or maltodextrin are listed, it is a blend.

Some people can detect a slight aftertaste in pure stevia extract, which can be described as licorice-like or slightly bitter, especially if over-dosed. High-quality extracts with a high concentration of Rebaudioside A typically have a cleaner, less noticeable aftertaste.

Blends are often preferred for baking, as the fillers provide the bulk and texture that pure stevia lacks. The taste of blends is also often engineered to be more sugar-like, with the fillers masking any aftertaste from the stevia.

You can use pure stevia for baking, but because it is so concentrated and provides no bulk, you cannot substitute it 1:1 for sugar. Recipes must be adjusted to account for the lack of volume, moisture, and caramelization that sugar provides.

Yes. Multiple regulatory agencies have deemed highly purified stevia leaf extract safe for the general population, including pregnant and nursing women and children, when consumed within the recommended Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels.