Calories in Stevia: Nutritional facts for Stevia Types

One hundred grams (3.5 oz) of commercial stevia sweetener contains 0 calories.

One kilogram (1,000 g or 35.3 oz) of commercial stevia sweetener contains 0 calories.

One 1 g packet of Truvia Stevia Sweetener contains 0 calories. One 1 g packet of Splenda Naturals Stevia contains 0 calories. A 1 g packet of Stevia in the Raw provides 0 calories. One 1 g packet of SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener contains 0 calories. A 1 g packet of Pure Via Stevia contains 0 calories.

Stevia provides some health benefits like aiding in blood sugar management and reducing caloric intake due to its non-glycemic nature and intense sweetness. This sweetener, frequently called "sweet leaf," "sugar leaf," or "honey leaf," serves as a natural sugar substitute for diabetics and those monitoring their weight. A list of the health benefits of stevia is shown below.

• Regulates Blood Glucose Levels: Stevia does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels. A study by Anton et al. (2010), "Effects of stevia, aspartame, and sucrose on food intake, satiety, and postprandial glucose and insulin levels," found that participants who consumed stevia had significantly lower postprandial glucose and insulin levels compared to those who consumed sucrose.
• Assists in Weight Control: Being calorie-free, it allows individuals to enjoy sweet flavors without adding energy to their diet.
• Lowers Blood Pressure: Some research suggests that stevioside, a compound in stevia, may act as a vasodilator. A study by Chan et al. (2000), "The effect of stevioside on blood pressure and plasma lipids in spontaneously hypertensive rats," indicated a potential hypotensive effect.
• Supports Dental Health: Unlike sugar, stevia does not ferment in the mouth to produce acid that erodes tooth enamel. It acts as a non-cariogenic sweetener that inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for cavities.
• Possesses Antioxidant Properties: Raw stevia leaves contain phenolic compounds that help neutralize free radicals.
• Cholesterol Management: Some animal studies suggest stevia extract can help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.

Stevia has been known to cause some unwanted effects like gastrointestinal discomfort and a bitter aftertaste due to its interaction with taste receptors and gut bacteria. This sweetener, often nicknamed "the bitter herb" in its raw form, can present challenges for some users. A list of the downsides of stevia is shown below.

• Unpleasant Aftertaste: Many users report a metallic or licorice-like aftertaste, caused by specific steviol glycosides like stevioside.
• Digestive Issues: Stevia products containing sugar alcohols like erythritol as bulking agents can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
• Potential Hormonal Disruption: Some animal studies have raised questions about potential endocrine-disrupting effects, though human evidence is limited. A study by Shannon et al. (2016), "In vitro bioassay for the potential estrogenic activity of steviol glycosides," explored these interactions.
• Allergic Reactions: As a member of the Asteraceae family (ragweed), stevia may trigger allergic symptoms in individuals sensitive to these plants, although such reactions are rare with highly purified extracts.

Yes, stevia is good for you because it provides a zero-calorie, zero-carbohydrate alternative to refined sugar without spiking insulin levels. Healthy individuals can consume stevia daily as a replacement for sugar in beverages and cooking to support weight management and dental health. The major benefits include glycemic control and the reduction of excess caloric intake. It is an ideal sweetener for those with diabetes or metabolic syndrome when used in its purified form.

The calories in stevia products change based on the additives and bulking agents used to create volume. Pure liquid stevia and highly refined extracts contain 0 calories per serving. Granulated blends using erythritol also maintain a 0-calorie profile because erythritol is not metabolized for energy. However, baking blends that mix stevia with cane sugar or brown sugar will contain calories proportional to the sugar content, typically providing 10-15 calories per teaspoon depending on the ratio. Raw green leaf powder contains negligible calories in standard serving sizes but provides trace nutrients absent in refined extracts.

The origin of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is the rainforests of Paraguay and Brazil, where the Guarani people have used the leaves to sweeten their yerba mate tea and as a medicinal herb for over 1,500 years. They referred to the plant as ka'a he'ê or "sweet herb." The plant was first scientifically recorded by the Swiss botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni in 1899, who learned of it from native guides in Paraguay.

Commercialization began in Japan in the early 1970s, where rigorous testing proved its safety, leading to its widespread adoption as an alternative to saccharin and cyclamate. Japan remains one of the largest consumers of stevia, using it in everything from soy sauce to soft drinks. In the United States and Europe, regulatory approval came later, with high-purity steviol glycosides achieving "Generally Recognized As Safe" (GRAS) status in the US in 2008 and EU approval in 2011. This opened the door for its explosion in the global natural sweetener market.