Authority source
Safety basis: FDA / EFSA
FDA, EFSA
Stevia
Steviol glycosidesStevia rebaudiana extract
Sweetener
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is much sweeter than regular sugar but has almost no calories.
What it is
Stevia is a natural, high-intensity sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, primarily used to provide sweetness without calories.
Found in
diet sodas, sugar-free candies, yogurts, protein powders, baked goods, tabletop sweeteners
The concern
No significant concerns identified when consumed within acceptable daily intake levels.
Legal status
Steviol glycosides are approved as a food additive and sweetener by the FDA (GRAS status) and in the EU (E 960), with established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels.
Low Concern
High-purity steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds in stevia, are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and approved by EFSA for use as a sweetener.
Evidence & sources
Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Aspartame
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Sucralose
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Xylitol
Another sweetener in the reviewed ingredient set.
Fluoride
Another sweetener or oral-care ingredient commonly compared in label checks.
Sodium Fluoride
Another sweetener or oral-care ingredient commonly compared in label checks.
Last updated: June 17, 2026