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What Is Stevia Extract?
Stevia extract is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant of the Asteraceae family. It contains one or more sweet ingredients called steviol glycosides, including steviol A, B, C, D, and E.
It is used as a sugar substitute because it contains compounds called steviol glycosides. This compound is much sweeter than sucrose but has meager calories. Stevia extract is approved for use as a food additive in many countries. Because of its low-calorie properties, diabetics often use it, and those who want to reduce their sugar intake.
Sources from
Stevia powder is sourced from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, a perennial shrub native to South America. The sweetness of Stevia is derived from the leaves of the plant, which possess a notable abundance of steviol glycosides. So, it is also called stevia leaf extract.
These compounds exhibit a sweetness level that surpasses sugar by up to 300 times. The leaves are harvested, dried, and then subjected to water extraction. The resulting liquid is purified and dried to produce stevia sweetener powder, an intensely sweet white, crystalline powder.
Stevia VS Sugar
Sugar is a traditional sweetener usually extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets. Stevia extract is generally much sweeter than sugar, about 30 to 200 times sweeter. It depends on the specific steviol glycoside compound. It has a pure, sweet taste with no other significant taste characteristics. Sugar provides energy, about four calories per gram. But stevia has almost no calories.
Sugar intake increases blood sugar levels. It may not be suitable for diabetics or people who need to control blood sugar. Excessive sugar intake has been linked to some health problems, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, etc. However, stevia extract, as a low-calorie sweetener, can help reduce the risk of these problems. On this side, stevia sweetener is better than sugar.
Sugar is widely used in cooking and baking because it is stable at high temperatures and can provide texture and color to foods. Due to its high sweetness and low-calorie properties, Stevia is often used in low-calorie or sugar-free products such as beverages, candies, and diet foods.
Specifications Sheet Reference
Type | Food additives, sweetener |
E Number | E 960a |
Appearance | White, crystalline powder |
Active Ingredients | Steviol Glycosides |
Purity | 95% – 98% |
Particle Size | 80 – 100 mesh |
Certifications | FDA Approved, Halal, Kosher, etc. |
Other Ingredient | None |
Solvent | Ethanol & Water |
Water Content | ≤ 5% |
Test Method | HPLC |
MOQ (minimum order quantity) | 1kg |
Sample | Available (10-20g/bag) |
OEM Service | Available, such as capsules, tablets, pills, etc. |
ODM Service | Available |
Private Label | Available |
Contract Manufacturing | Available |
Monk Fruit VS Stevia
Monk Fruit and Stevia extract are both natural sweeteners. They offer a low-calorie or no-calorie alternative to sugar.
Monk Fruit sweetener is extracted from Luo Han Guo, called monk fruit, a plant in the cucurbit family native to southern China and northern Thailand. It is about 100-250 times sweeter than sucrose. (The exact sweetness depends on the type and purity of the extract.) Monk Fruit sweeteners are generally considered to have a sweetness closer to sucrose, without bitterness or astringency.
Stevia sweetener is extracted from Stevia rebaudiana, a plant in the Asteraceae family native to South America. It can be 50-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Stevia may taste slightly astringent or bitter, especially in highly purified extracts.
The similarities between the two include. First, they are both considered sweeteners with less impact on blood sugar and are suitable for diabetics. Second, they both contain antioxidants.
Both monk fruit and stevia sweeteners are widely used in the food and beverage industry to reduce sugar and calorie intake. Still, monk fruit may be more popular in some markets because it provides a cleaner, sweeter taste.
Erythritol VS Stevia
Both are low-calorie or no-calorie sweeteners. They offer a safe alternative to sugar.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol artificially made from raw materials such as corn through fermentation. It is about 70% as sweet as sugar. Its flavor is a clean, subtle sweetness. Its mouthfeel is close to sugar but less sweet. It contains about 0.2 calories per gram. Stevia, on the other hand, has zero calories.
Like monk fruit and stevia sweeteners, erythritol is also considered to have little effect on blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetes. It also has antioxidant properties. It can protect the body from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Both erythritol and stevia are suitable for cooking and baking because they are stable at high temperatures without losing their sweetness or undergoing significant chemical changes.
Erythritol is generally considered to have a high digestive tolerance. However, if consumed in large quantities, it may cause digestive problems in some people, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
According to the FDA, erythritol is a safe alternative to sugar. However, some ongoing research into the link between erythritol and cardiovascular problems has raised concerns.
Sucralose VS Stevia
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener, not a natural one. It is made by chlorinating sugar molecules in a lab. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is known for its clean and sugar-like taste, without the bitter taste. It is stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking. This artificial sweetener is also considered safe for consumption by regulatory agencies, including the FDA and EFSA.
Both stevia extract and sucralose are zero-calorie sweeteners that do not affect blood sugar levels. It makes them suitable for diabetics or those who need to manage blood sugar. However, there are concerns that sucralose may affect intestinal health and digestive comfort.
On the other hand, the production process of sucralose is chemically intensive and not easily biodegradable, which may have long-term effects on the environment.
The natural properties of sucralose may appeal to those who tend to eat clean and green, and it can be seamlessly integrated into various recipes to add sweetness without adding extra calories or artificial ingredients.
General Bulk Stevia Extract Manufacturing Process
- Stevia leaves are collected from the plant.
- The leaves are dried to reduce moisture.
- Steviol glycosides are separated from the leaves through water, ethanol, or CO2 extraction.
- The extracted liquid is filtered to remove plant particles.
- The crude extract is refined using crystallization or chromatography.
- Color-producing compounds are removed, enhancing the extract’s appearance.
- The purified extract is concentrated for potency.
- The concentrated extract is dried into powder or liquid form.
- Quality control checks are conducted to ensure purity and sweetness.
- The final extract is packaged and distributed to manufacturers as a natural sweetener.
Stevia Extract: Benefits, Uses, And More
Stevia extract powder offers several health benefits. Firstly, it is a zero-calorie sweetener, making it a suitable choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or manage their weight. Unlike artificial sweeteners, Stevia extract is a natural product that appeals to health-conscious consumers.
- Zero-Calorie Sweetener
Stevia extract powder contains no calories, making it an excellent choice for individuals aiming to reduce their calorie intake or manage their weight.
- Natural Product
Unlike many artificial sweeteners, Stevia is derived from a plant, making it a natural sweetener that appeals to health-conscious consumers.
- Safe for Diabetics
Stevia, as a non-nutritive sweetener, has been found to have little to no effect on blood glucose levels, thus rendering it a viable and safe option for individuals who have diabetes.
- The potential effects on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that Stevia may benefit the sensitivity of insulin and glucose metabolism.
- Antioxidant Properties
The antioxidant properties of Stevia extract have been identified, demonstrating its potential to mitigate oxidative damage caused by free radicals within the body.
- Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Cancer Properties
Preliminary studies suggest that Stevia may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, although more research is needed in these areas.
Used For
Stevia extract powder has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used as a sweetener in beverages such as tea, coffee, and baked goods. It also produces sugar-free or reduced-sugar products, such as candies, chocolates, and soft drinks.
- Hot and Cold Beverages
- Baked Goods
- Confectionery
- Dairy Products
- Sauces and Dressings
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Dietary Supplements
- Health and Wellness Products
Dosage
The optimal dosage of stevia extract powder may differ based on the particular product and its concentration of steviol glycosides. Nevertheless, the WHO has established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for steviol glycosides, which amounts to a maximum of 4mg per kg of an individual’s body weight.
FDA-Approved: Yes Or No?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a regulatory approach to Stevia that recognizes its safety and allows its use as a natural sweetener in various food and beverage products.
- GRAS Status.The FDA has recognized stevia leaf extracts as “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) under specific conditions of use as an ingredient in food and beverages. It means that these extracts are exempt from the premarket approval requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
- High-Purity Steviol Glycosides. The FDA has approved using highly purified steviol glycosides obtained from stevia leaves as a general-purpose sweetener in food. These are the main sweet compounds found in the stevia plant.
- GRAS Notices. The FDA has not objected to more than 50 GRAS notices for using various high-purity steviol glycosides as sweeteners in food. Companies submit these notices to inform the FDA of their independent determination that a substance is GRAS.
- Import Alert. The FDA has an import alert for whole stevia leaves and crude extracts, which are not permitted to be used as sweeteners in the United States. It is because they have not been deemed safe for consumption by the FDA.
- Safety Assessment. The FDA has evaluated the safety of Stevia and its extracts through a thorough review of scientific data and information presented in GRAS notices and other submissions.
- Use in Food Products. Stevia extract is widely used in foods and beverages marketed as “sugar-free” or “diet,” including soft drinks, baked goods, and dairy products.
- Labeling. When Stevia sweetener is used in food products, they must be identified by name in the ingredient list on the product label.
- International Recognition: The FDA is not alone in recognizing the safety of Stevia. Other international food regulatory bodies have also granted regulatory approval or allowance for stevia leaf extracts.
In summary, the FDA supports using high-purity stevia leaf extracts as a safe and natural sweetener in the food supply. Still, it restricts whole stevia leaves and crude extracts that have not been evaluated for safety.
Where To Buy Stevia Extract This Natural Sweetener?
Nutri Avenue is a reputable supplier of Stevia Extract. We are known for providing high-quality, natural sweeteners derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, contributing to healthier dietary choices for consumers worldwide. Trust Nutri Avenue for your Stevia extract powder needs.
FAQs
Yes, they are refer to the same product. Both are derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and are used as zero-calorie, natural sweeteners.
The terms are often used interchangeably in the food and health industry.
No, stevia is not an artificial sweetener. It is a zero-calorie natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The sweetness in stevia comes from compounds called steviol glycosides. It is used as a sugar substitute.
Here are a few key points to understand why stevia is considered natural and not artificial:
- Natural Origin: Stevia is derived from a plant, making it a natural product, unlike artificial sweeteners, which are chemically synthesized.
- No Chemical Synthesis: The process of extracting steviol glycosides from the stevia leaves does not involve creating new substances but isolating the naturally occurring sweet components.
- Regulatory Approval: Many international food regulatory bodies, including the US FDA, have recognized high-purity stevia leaf extracts as safe for consumption, further supporting its status as a natural sweetener.
- Consumer Perception: Stevia is often marketed and perceived by consumers as a natural alternative to sugar and other artificial sweeteners.
It’s important to differentiate between the whole stevia leaf, which is not typically consumed directly due to lack of safety studies, and the purified stevia leaf extract, which is the form commonly used as a sweetener in various food products and is considered safe for consumption.
Stevia leaf extract is widely considered a safe sweetener. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers products made from stevia leaves with high levels of steviol glycosides safe for consumption.
Early studies had suggested that stevia might be linked to cancer, leading to an initial FDA ban in 1991. However, subsequent studies and a review of hundreds of studies showed that no increased cancer risk was associated with stevia consumption. As a result, the FDA rescinded the ban.
Stevia leaf extract is also safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, whole stevia leaf, which the FDA has not approved, is not generally considered safe for everyone, especially pregnant women.
Stevia has faced regulatory scrutiny and varying acceptance levels worldwide. The main reasons for its temporary bans and restrictions historically include as follows.
- Safety Concerns: Early studies raised concerns about the safety of stevia. Some research in the 1980s suggested that certain compounds in stevia, like stevioside and rebaudioside A, might be mutagenic (causing mutations) or carcinogenic (causing cancer). These studies were often criticized for methodological flaws but led to caution among regulatory agencies.
- Lack of Comprehensive Data: Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the EFSA initially had insufficient data to conclude that stevia and its extracts were safe for consumption. This lack of comprehensive data contributed to hesitancy in approving stevia as a food additive.
- Regulatory Differences: Different countries have varied standards and regulations for approving food additives. While stevia was used traditionally in countries like Japan for decades without reported issues, Western regulatory agencies required more rigorous scientific evidence before approval.
- Industry Influence: The sugar and artificial sweetener industries have been powerful stakeholders in the food industry, and there have been allegations that these industries might have influenced the regulatory process to delay the approval of stevia, which posed a competitive threat.
As more extensive and methodologically sound research was conducted, the safety profile of stevia became clearer. In the 2000s, major regulatory bodies, including the FDA and EFSA, reviewed newer studies and concluded that high-purity stevia extracts (like rebaudioside A) are safe for consumption. Consequently, stevia was approved as a sweetener in many countries and has since become a popular alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Yes, stevia is considered keto-friendly. The ketogenic diet (keto) is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. It aims to put the body into ketosis, burning fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Stevia sweetener has natural and zero-calorie properties that do not contain carbohydrates, making it suitable for a keto diet. Here are a few reasons why stevia fits well into a keto lifestyle.
- No Carbohydrates
- Zero Calories
- Natural Origin
- High Sweetness Level
Overall, stevia is a popular sweetener among people following a keto diet due to its compatibility with its low-carb and low-calorie requirements.
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