Stevia Sweetener

Stevia sweeteners use highly purified steviol glycosides obtained from the stevia plant and are available as drops, powders, tablets, sachets and granulated blends. These high-intensity sweeteners are much sweeter than table sugar, so only small quantities are needed, and they generally contribute few or no calories when used in foods and drinks. Check the complete ingredient list because many tabletop stevia products also contain erythritol, maltodextrin or other ingredients that affect sweetness, texture and nutritional values. The FDA has not objected to specified uses of certain highly purified steviol glycosides, but whole stevia leaves and crude extracts are different and are not permitted as food sweeteners in the United States.