Is Splenda made out of stevia?

January 9, 2026 •

3 min read

First and most importantly, Splenda is a brand name that markets a variety of sweeteners, not a single ingredient. This fact is crucial for understanding the difference, and it directly addresses whether is Splenda made out of stevia.

Quick Summary

Splenda is a brand with products based on different sweeteners. The original formula uses artificial sucralose, while a separate line is made with natural stevia extract. They are not the same.

Key Points

Splenda Brand Variety: Splenda is a brand name for multiple products, not a single ingredient, offering options based on both sucralose and stevia.
Original Splenda is Sucralose: The classic yellow packet of Splenda contains sucralose, an artificial, chemically modified sugar.
Splenda Stevia is Plant-Based: The Splenda Stevia product line (green packets) is made from stevia leaf extract, a natural, plant-derived sweetener.
Different Manufacturing Processes: Sucralose is made via a chemical process, while stevia extract is produced through a water-based purification process.
Taste and Aftertaste Differ: Original Splenda has a clean taste, while stevia can have a slight aftertaste for some users.
Check Product Labels: To know whether you're getting a sucralose or a stevia-based sweetener, always check the packaging and ingredient list.
Baking Stability Varies: Stevia is generally more heat-stable for baking than sucralose, which can degrade at high temperatures.

The Brand vs. The Ingredient: Clarifying the Confusion

Many people mistakenly believe that 'Splenda' refers to a single, specific sugar alternative. However, Splenda is actually a well-known brand name with a portfolio of different sweetener products. The famous yellow packet contains an artificial sweetener called sucralose, while the newer green packets are sold under the name Splenda Stevia, which is derived from the stevia plant. A consumer’s experience with Splenda is therefore dependent on which specific product they are using.

Understanding Original Splenda (Sucralose)

Original Splenda, in the iconic yellow packets, uses sucralose as its main sweetening ingredient. Sucralose is an artificial, synthetic compound created through a multi-step chemical process that starts with sucrose (table sugar). This process involves replacing three hydroxyl groups on the sugar molecule with chlorine atoms, resulting in a compound about 600 times sweeter than sugar that the body doesn't metabolize for calories. Original Splenda packets also contain bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose to add volume and moderate sweetness.

The Creation of Sucralose

The synthesis of sucralose is a precise chemical process involving the chlorination of sugar:

Starts with sucrose: The process begins with regular table sugar (sucrose).
Chemical Modification: Three hydroxyl groups on the sucrose molecule are replaced with chlorine atoms.
Indigestible Compound: This modification creates sucralose, which passes through the body largely unabsorbed.
Added Fillers: Bulking agents like dextrose and maltodextrin are mixed in for volume and sweetness control.

Understanding Splenda Stevia (Plant-Based Sweetener)

In contrast, Splenda Stevia is sourced from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. The sweetness comes from natural compounds called steviol glycosides within the leaves. Splenda Stevia products contain these plant extracts, not chemically modified sugar. The Splenda brand even sources stevia from U.S. farms.

The Processing of Stevia

The process to create Splenda Stevia involves extracting and purifying the sweet compounds from the plant:

Harvesting and drying: Stevia leaves are harvested and dried.
Water extraction: Sweet compounds are extracted by steeping the dried leaves in hot water.
Purification: The liquid is purified to isolate sweet steviol glycosides, often focusing on rebaudioside D (Reb D) for taste.
Combining with fillers: The purified extract is blended with plant-based bulking agents to create the final product.

Splenda (Sucralose) vs. Stevia: At a Glance


Feature	Original Splenda (Sucralose)	Splenda Stevia
Primary Sweetener	Sucralose (Artificial)	Steviol Glycosides (Natural)
Origin	Chemically modified from sugar	Extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant
Packaging	Typically in yellow packets	Typically in green packets
Aftertaste	Generally no aftertaste	Can have a licorice-like or slightly bitter aftertaste
Heat Stability	Generally heat-stable, but can degrade at very high temperatures	Heat-stable, making it suitable for baking
Other Ingredients	Contains dextrose and maltodextrin as bulking agents	Uses plant-based bulking agents like erythritol
Sweetness Level	About 600 times sweeter than sugar	About 200-300 times sweeter than sugar

Which Sweetener Is Right For You?

The choice between original Splenda (sucralose) and Splenda Stevia depends on personal taste, how you plan to use it (like in baking), and whether you prefer an artificial or natural sweetener. Sucralose offers a taste often described as very similar to sugar without a bitter aftertaste. Stevia, being plant-derived, is preferred by those seeking a natural option, though some detect a slight aftertaste.

For baking, stevia is generally considered more heat-stable. While sucralose is used in baking, there's some indication it might degrade at very high heat. It's also important to remember that many packaged stevia products, even those branded as Splenda, include other ingredients. Always check the label to know exactly what you're consuming.

Conclusion: A Matter of Choice, Not Ingredient Identity

The question "Is Splenda made out of stevia?" highlights a common misunderstanding: Splenda is a brand, not a single ingredient. Original Splenda uses the artificial sweetener sucralose, while Splenda Stevia is a separate product derived from the stevia plant. These are distinct sweeteners with different origins and properties. When choosing a Splenda product, you are deciding between sucralose and stevia (among other potential Splenda varieties), based on your preference for artificial versus natural options, taste, and intended use like baking. Always read the product label to be clear about the ingredients.

For additional information directly from the manufacturer, you can review the company's own FAQs on their website. https://www.splenda.com/faqs/is-there-splenda-in-splenda-stevia/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Splenda Stevia is not the same as original Splenda. Original Splenda uses sucralose, an artificial sweetener, while Splenda Stevia uses extract from the stevia plant, a natural sweetener.

The main sweetening ingredient in the original yellow Splenda packets is sucralose, an artificial compound. The packets also contain bulking agents like dextrose and maltodextrin.

Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America.

While the sucralose in original Splenda is derived from a sugar molecule (sucrose), the final product is a synthetic compound and does not contain stevia or other plant-based sweeteners as its primary ingredient.

Yes, many people perceive a difference. Sucralose is often described as having a cleaner, more sugar-like taste, while some find that stevia can have a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, especially at higher concentrations.

For baking, Splenda Stevia may be a better choice as stevia is known for being heat-stable. While sucralose (original Splenda) is used in baking, some evidence suggests it can break down at very high temperatures.

Yes, the packaging is designed to differentiate the products. Original Splenda packets are yellow, while Splenda Stevia packets are typically green. Checking the ingredients list on any product is the most reliable way to confirm its contents.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener. Although it is made by chemically modifying sugar, the final result is a synthetic compound not found in nature.