Which Products Contain Stevia? A Comprehensive Guide to Sweetened Foods

November 19, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 5,000 food and beverage products worldwide currently use high-purity stevia leaf extract as an ingredient, and that number continues to grow. Wondering which products contain stevia? This guide explores the most common applications of this popular sugar substitute across various categories.

Quick Summary

Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-based sweetener derived from the stevia plant, used in a wide array of products. This guide details the many beverages, tabletop sweeteners, baked goods, dairy, and other food items where stevia is an ingredient, offering a comprehensive overview for consumers.

Key Points

Prevalence: Over 5,000 food and beverage products worldwide incorporate stevia as an ingredient, including many major commercial brands.
Diverse Applications: Stevia is found in zero-calorie soft drinks, light juices, flavored waters, tabletop sweeteners, yogurts, and some baked goods.
Common Forms: For home use, stevia is sold in various forms, including single-serve packets, liquid drops, and baking blends under popular brand names like Truvia and Pure Via.
Blood Sugar Management: As a non-nutritive sweetener, stevia does not raise blood glucose levels, making it a safe sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
Natural Origin: Stevia is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, offering a plant-based alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Considerations for Baking: Because it lacks the bulk and moisture of sugar, baking with stevia often requires recipe adjustments or the use of specially formulated stevia baking blends.

Understanding Stevia: The Plant-Based Sweetener

Stevia is a naturally sourced, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, an herbaceous shrub native to South America. The sweetness comes from compounds within the leaves called steviol glycosides, which are up to 300 times sweeter than regular table sugar. Only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness. The FDA has deemed high-purity stevia leaf extracts as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

Unlike sugar, stevia does not affect blood glucose levels, making it popular for individuals with diabetes or those on low-carbohydrate diets. Its stability at high temperatures allows its use in cooking and baking, though adjustments may be needed for bulk and moisture.

Beverages Sweetened with Stevia

Stevia is commonly used in beverages to create reduced or zero-calorie drinks.

Soft Drinks and Juices

Many beverage companies use stevia as a sweetener. Brands like Zevia offer sodas, energy drinks, and teas exclusively sweetened with stevia. Some juices, like PepsiCo's Trop50, blend stevia and sugar to cut calories. Coca-Cola uses stevia in products like VitaminWater Zero. Other examples include light juices and flavored waters.

Ready-to-Drink Coffees and Teas

RTD coffees and teas often list stevia as an ingredient. Starbucks Refreshers are sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Liquid stevia drops are also available for home use.

Tabletop Sweeteners and Baking Products

Stevia is widely available for home use in various forms.

Popular Stevia Sweetener Brands

Truvia®: A blend of stevia leaf extract and erythritol.
Pure Via®: Another popular stevia-based sweetener.
Stevia In The Raw®: Offers various forms for different uses.
SweetLeaf®: Provides liquid drops, packets, and powders.
Pyure®: Offers organic stevia blends.
Store Brands: Many supermarkets have their own versions.

Stevia in Baking

Stevia doesn't provide the same bulk or moisture as sugar in baking. Baking blends often combine stevia with other ingredients like erythritol for a 1:1 sugar replacement. Using pure extract may require adding ingredients for texture.

Dairy, Confections, and Other Foods

Stevia is used in various other food products to lower sugar content.

Dairy Products

Yogurt: Many light and low-sugar yogurts use stevia.
Flavored Milk and Ice Cream: Stevia is used to reduce sugar in some formulations.

Cereals and Sauces

Cereals: Some low-sugar cereals use stevia.
Condiments and Sauces: Certain condiments like salad dressings and sauces incorporate stevia.

A Comparison of Stevia and Sugar

Key differences exist between stevia and sugar.


Feature	Stevia	Sugar (Sucrose)
Calorie Content	Zero calories per serving	4 calories per gram
Source	Natural plant extract	Sugarcane or beet derived crystalline solid
Glycemic Index	0 (No effect on blood sugar)	65 (Rapidly raises blood sugar)
Sweetness Level	200–350 times sweeter than sugar	Standard benchmark for sweetness
Flavor Profile	Intense sweetness, potential mild aftertaste at high concentrations	Pure, well-known sweet taste
Baking Performance	Does not provide bulk, moisture, or caramelization; requires adjustments	Adds bulk, aids in moisture retention, and caramelizes
Dental Health	Non-cariogenic; does not cause cavities	Contributes to tooth decay and cavities

Conclusion

Stevia is a mainstream, zero-calorie sweetener found in a vast range of products, offering a plant-based alternative for those watching sugar intake. It is used in sodas, juices, tabletop sweeteners, and dairy items. Look for 'stevia leaf extract' or brand names like Truvia and Pure Via in ingredient lists. While baking requires adjustments, stevia's versatility continues to expand options for healthier foods and beverages.

For more information on stevia safety and regulation, visit the International Food Information Council (IFIC) at https://ific.org/resources/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-stevia-sweeteners/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, stevia is considered a natural sweetener because its sweetening compounds, called steviol glycosides, are extracted and purified from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant.

Yes, you can bake with stevia, but it is important to note that it does not provide the same bulk or moisture as sugar and can result in different textures. Many brands offer 1:1 baking blends to simplify substitution, while using pure extract may require other ingredients like fruit puree or eggs for volume.

Some people report a mild, licorice-like or bitter aftertaste, especially when using higher concentrations of certain stevia extracts. This is less common with high-purity extracts, and using stevia in combination with other ingredients can also help balance the flavor.

Popular brands of stevia include Truvia, Pure Via, Stevia In The Raw, SweetLeaf, and Pyure. Many store brands also carry stevia-based products.

You can find stevia in zero-calorie soft drinks (like Zevia), light juices (such as Trop50), flavored waters, ready-to-drink coffees (like Starbucks Refreshers), and teas.

Yes, high-purity stevia extracts are generally considered safe for people with diabetes because they do not raise blood sugar levels. It can be a helpful way to satisfy sweet cravings while managing carbohydrate intake.

To check if a product contains stevia, look at the ingredients list for 'stevia leaf extract,' 'steviol glycosides,' or specific brand names like 'Truvia' or 'Rebiana'.