Is There Alcohol in Stevia?
Stevia does not contain alcohol as an ingredient. The FDA describes steviol glycosides as natural constituents of the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, about 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar. They are sweet compounds, not alcohol, although some liquid stevia products may use alcohol as a solvent, so check the label.
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What the sweet part of stevia is
The FDA says steviol glycosides “are natural constituents of the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana” and are reported to be 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar. Names you may see on labels include stevioside, rebaudioside A (Reb A) and rebaudioside D.
None of these is an alcoholic drink ingredient. The words “organic alcohol” in a search most likely mix up two things: sugar alcohols and liquid extracts.
Sugar alcohols are a different group
The FDA lists sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol as a separate class of sweeteners. Despite the name, they are not the ethanol found in beer, wine or spirits.
Liquid stevia and alcohol
We found no FDA page that says how much alcohol, if any, is in liquid stevia drops. Some makers may use alcohol to extract or dissolve the sweetener. If you avoid alcohol for health, medical or religious reasons, check the product label or ask the maker, and ask a doctor or pharmacist about medicines you take.
Which stevia is allowed
The FDA has not questioned the GRAS conclusions for high-purity (95% minimum) steviol glycosides. It says stevia leaf and crude stevia extracts are not considered GRAS for use as sweeteners.
For alcohol rules and travel questions, see our laws and travel section.
People also ask
Is stevia an alcohol?
No. The FDA describes steviol glycosides as sweet natural constituents of stevia leaves, not as alcohol.
Are sugar alcohols the same as alcohol in drinks?
No. The FDA treats sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol as a separate class of sweeteners, different from the ethanol in alcoholic drinks.
Does liquid stevia contain alcohol?
We found no official source that gives a figure. Some liquid extracts may use alcohol, so check the label or ask the maker.
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