Understanding the Side Effects of Equal Stevia

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), high-purity steviol glycosides, the sweetening compounds derived from the stevia plant, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), yet products like Equal Stevia can still cause adverse reactions due to other ingredients added during processing. These fillers and sugar alcohols are often the source of reported discomfort rather than the stevia extract itself.

Quick Summary

Equal Stevia products, while containing FDA-approved steviol glycosides, may cause mild gastrointestinal issues in sensitive individuals due to added fillers like dextrose and erythritol. These effects are generally not from the stevia extract but from the added bulking agents that are part of the blend.

Key Points

Additives are often the cause: Most side effects from Equal Stevia are triggered by added ingredients like sugar alcohols, not the stevia extract itself.
Gastrointestinal issues are common: Bloating, gas, and diarrhea are potential side effects, especially for those sensitive to sugar alcohols.
Blood sugar can be affected: While stevia extract is zero-glycemic, additives like maltodextrin in some blends can raise blood sugar levels.
Caution with certain medications: Stevia can interact with medications for diabetes and high blood pressure, requiring caution and doctor consultation.
Ingredient awareness is key: Always check the ingredient list to understand what fillers are present and how they might affect your health.
Allergies are rare but possible: Individuals allergic to ragweed may theoretically experience cross-reactivity with less refined stevia, but reactions to the high-purity extract in Equal are very uncommon.

Demystifying Equal Stevia Ingredients

When purchasing a commercial stevia product like Equal Stevia, it is crucial to understand that it is not a pure stevia extract. These products are blends designed to mimic the taste and texture of sugar while providing zero or low calories. Equal Stevia tablets often contain steviol glycosides, but also other ingredients, such as lactose, natural flavorings, and stabilizers. Some blended products may contain sugar alcohols (like erythritol) or other fillers (like maltodextrin or dextrose). The presence of these non-stevia components is the primary reason for most reported side effects.

The Culprits: Additives and Gastrointestinal Distress

Most commonly reported side effects linked to products like Equal Stevia are related to digestive issues, which are primarily caused by the sugar alcohols or other fillers used as bulking agents. These ingredients are not fully absorbed by the body and can ferment in the large intestine, leading to a variety of symptoms.

Bloating and Gas: For many, the fermentation process caused by sugar alcohols results in uncomfortable bloating and excess gas.
Nausea and Upset Stomach: Consuming large quantities of sweeteners with sugar alcohols can irritate the digestive system, leading to feelings of nausea.
Diarrhea: When consumed in excess, sugar alcohols have a known laxative effect that can cause diarrhea. The amount needed to cause this effect varies greatly from person to person.

Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Considerations

While purified stevia extract does not raise blood sugar levels, some additives can. Diabetics and others monitoring their glucose levels must be aware of these potential interactions.

Impact on Blood Sugar: Additives like maltodextrin or dextrose, found in some stevia blends, can raise blood glucose levels. For individuals with diabetes, this is a critical consideration, and they should always check the ingredients list to avoid unexpected spikes.
Effect on Blood Pressure: Stevia itself has been shown to potentially lower blood pressure in some individuals. For those with hypertension already on medication, consuming large amounts of stevia could enhance the effect of their drugs, potentially causing blood pressure to drop too low. Consultation with a doctor is advised if you take medication for high blood pressure.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities

Though rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to stevia, particularly those with sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and daisies.

Cross-Reactivity: In theory, someone allergic to ragweed could experience a cross-reactive reaction to less refined stevia products, although highly purified stevia extracts are far less likely to cause this. Symptoms could include mouth itching, swelling, or localized hives.
Highly Purified vs. Crude Stevia: Scientific literature suggests that hypersensitivity reactions to highly purified stevia extracts are extremely rare. The risk is highest with unrefined or crude stevia products that contain more plant material, which is not what is used in Equal Stevia.

Comparison: Equal Stevia vs. Pure Stevia Extract


Feature	Equal Stevia (Blend)	Pure Stevia Extract
Ingredients	Steviol glycosides, lactose, natural flavorings, stabilizers (possible sugar alcohols)	95%+ pure steviol glycosides
Potential Side Effects	Often due to added fillers; includes gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea	Very few reported side effects in moderation
Effect on Blood Sugar	Can be affected by added ingredients like maltodextrin or dextrose	No impact on blood sugar levels
Taste Profile	Blended to have a more sugar-like taste, though some may detect an aftertaste	Can have a licorice-like or slightly bitter aftertaste
FDA Status	Uses GRAS high-purity stevia extract in an approved blend	GRAS status, generally considered safe

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption is Prudent

For most people, consuming Equal Stevia in moderation is unlikely to cause significant issues, as high-purity stevia extract is deemed safe by regulatory bodies. However, the potential for side effects, particularly gastrointestinal distress, is a genuine concern for some due to the additional ingredients in the blend. Those with sensitive digestive systems, diabetes, or high blood pressure should be particularly vigilant. Always read the ingredient list and consider how additives might affect your health. If you experience adverse effects, switching to a product that uses a purer stevia extract or another alternative may be beneficial.

For more information on approved sweeteners, consult the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Equal Stevia and other stevia blends can cause bloating and gas. This is typically due to added ingredients like sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol), which are not fully absorbed by the body and can ferment in the gut.

Equal Stevia is generally safe for diabetics, but caution is needed. While pure steviol glycosides don't affect blood sugar, some blends contain additives like dextrose or maltodextrin that can cause blood glucose spikes. Always check the ingredient list.

Allergic reactions to highly purified stevia extract, like that used in Equal, are extremely rare. However, those with a ragweed allergy might have a cross-reactive sensitivity to the stevia plant itself, although this is more of a concern with less refined forms.

Stevia has been observed to have a blood pressure-lowering effect. Individuals on medication for high blood pressure should consult their doctor before regular use, as stevia could amplify the medication's effects and cause blood pressure to drop too low.

While high-purity stevia is generally considered safe and may be a healthier alternative to sugar for calorie reduction, its safety compared to other sweeteners depends on the individual and the specific additives in the blend. The FDA considers Equal and Splenda safe, but they use different sweetening compounds with varying potential effects.

Pure stevia extract consists of at least 95% steviol glycosides derived solely from the stevia plant. Equal Stevia is a commercial blend that contains the extract along with other ingredients, such as lactose, natural flavorings, and possibly sugar alcohols, to improve taste and texture.

No, Equal Stevia does not cause weight gain. As a zero or low-calorie sweetener, it is often used for weight management. However, some research suggests that non-nutritive sweeteners may affect gut bacteria and metabolic health, although conclusions are inconclusive.