The Truth About Stevia in Packaged Sweeteners
When you buy a product marketed as 'stevia' at the grocery store, you are almost always purchasing a blended product, not the raw, whole-leaf stevia plant. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only the highly purified steviol glycosides from the stevia plant for use as food additives, and not the whole leaf or crude extracts. These purified compounds, such as rebaudioside A (Reb A) and rebaudioside M (Reb M), are what give stevia-based sweeteners their intense sweetness and are often 200 to 350 times sweeter than regular sugar.
To create a product that measures and tastes more like sugar, manufacturers combine these extracts with other ingredients. These additives, such as sugar alcohols (like erythritol), carbohydrates (like dextrose and maltodextrin), or fibers (like inulin), serve to mask the slight bitter or licorice-like aftertaste that pure stevia extracts can have. They also provide the necessary bulk for a teaspoon-for-teaspoon replacement of sugar.
Popular Sweetener Brands That Include Stevia
Many of the best-known sweetener brands on the market today incorporate high-purity stevia leaf extract. Here are some of the most common ones you'll find in stores:
- Truvia: This popular sweetener brand is a blend of erythritol, stevia leaf extract (specifically Rebiana, which is Reb-A), and natural flavors. It was developed by Cargill and the Coca-Cola Company, and its erythritol content provides a more sugar-like texture and taste.
- PureVia: Marketed by PepsiCo, PureVia also uses highly purified stevia leaf extract (Rebiana) as its primary sweetening agent.
- Stevia in the Raw: This sweetener uses stevia leaf extract (Reb-A) combined with other ingredients. The specific blend can vary by product; for example, the packets often use dextrose, while the 'Bakers Bag' version uses maltodextrin.
- SweetLeaf: As a brand, SweetLeaf offers a range of stevia-based products. Some of its blends incorporate inulin soluble vegetable fiber to provide bulk.
- Splenda Naturals Stevia: Following its artificial sweetener success, Splenda introduced a stevia-based line of products.
Beverages and Foods Containing Stevia Extracts
Stevia is not limited to tabletop sweeteners. Because of its zero-calorie profile and heat stability, stevia extract is used in a vast range of products to reduce sugar content. Checking the ingredient label is the best way to determine if a product contains stevia. Common examples of foods and drinks that often use stevia include:
- Soft Drinks: Zevia sodas and some versions of Coca-Cola (like Coca-Cola Life) use stevia extracts.
- Flavored Water and Teas: Brands such as Bai and VitaminWater Zero Sugar utilize stevia extract.
- Dairy Products: Certain yogurts and flavored milk products are sweetened with stevia.
- Condiments: Stevia can be found in some sugar-free sauces and dressings.
- Baked Goods and Cereals: Due to its stability under high temperatures, it is a suitable ingredient for baking and is included in some cereal formulations.
Stevia-Based Sweetener Comparison
| Sweetener Brand | Primary Sweetening Agent | Other Key Ingredients | Common Application | Taste Profile | Citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Truvia | Stevia leaf extract (Reb-A) | Erythritol, Natural Flavors | Tabletop sweetener, baking | Provides a more sugar-like taste experience due to erythritol; less bitter aftertaste than pure Reb-A | , |
| PureVia | Stevia leaf extract (Reb-A) | Varies by product; often contains dextrose | Tabletop sweetener, beverages | Uses Reb-A as the primary sweetener; taste can be influenced by other ingredients | , |
| Stevia in the Raw | Stevia leaf extract (Reb-A) | Dextrose (packets), Maltodextrin (baking bag) | Tabletop sweetener, baking | Bulking agents like dextrose provide a 1:1 sugar replacement measure | |
| SweetLeaf | Stevia leaf extract | Varies by product; some use inulin fiber | Tabletop sweetener, cooking | Considered to be closer to a purer extract by some; inulin helps with bulk and taste | |
| Splenda Naturals | Stevia leaf extract | Other ingredients added | Tabletop sweetener | Combines stevia with other natural sources to produce a specific taste profile |
How to Identify Stevia on an Ingredient Label
It's important to look beyond a product's marketing to know for sure if it contains stevia. Since it is a highly purified extract, manufacturers are required to list the specific compound or a general reference on the ingredient panel. Here is what to look for:
Terms for Stevia on Labels:
- Stevia leaf extract
- Steviol glycosides
- Rebaudioside A (Reb A)
- Rebaudioside M (Reb M)
- Stevia sweetener
Keep in mind that if the label lists 'stevia' as the sole ingredient in a granular or powdered form that measures 1:1 with sugar, it is highly likely that a bulking agent like erythritol or dextrose is included, even if not prominently displayed. Pure stevia extract is incredibly potent and only a tiny amount is needed to sweeten food.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Stevia-Based Sweetener
While raw stevia leaf exists, the majority of products available in stores that use stevia as a sweetener are actually sophisticated blends. These products combine highly purified stevia leaf extracts like Reb-A with other ingredients to create a taste and texture that consumers prefer over the intense, sometimes bitter, aftertaste of pure extract. By understanding which common sweetener brands contain stevia, what to look for on ingredient labels, and what other ingredients are used to create the final product, consumers can make informed choices. To find the right product for your needs, consider experimenting with different brands to find the taste profile you prefer, and always check the label for potential hidden bulking agents.
More information can be found at the International Food Information Council (IFIC).
