The Lab
Specimen No. 0212
ClearedDerivedsweetenerfood additive

Stevia (Steviol Glycosides)

CAS 58543-16-1 · E960 · steviol glycosides · rebaudioside A

A plant-derived zero-calorie sweetener from the stevia leaf. High-purity steviol glycosides (like Reb A) have a strong safety record — FDA treats them as GRAS and they have an established Acceptable Daily Intake. The rating applies to the purified extract, not raw/whole-leaf stevia.

high confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • This rating applies to HIGH-PURITY steviol glycosides (>=95%, e.g., Rebaudioside A/M) — the form FDA treats as GRAS; whole-leaf stevia and crude stevia extracts are NOT approved by FDA for use as sweeteners and remain under Import Alert 45-06 due to insufficient safety data
  • Steviol glycosides are not absorbed intact — gut bacteria hydrolyze them to steviol, giving them negligible calories; toxicological evaluations support their safety, and the established Acceptable Daily Intake is 4 mg/kg body weight per day (as steviol equivalents) (Peng et al., Frontiers in Nutrition 2026 review; EFSA/JECFA)

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: high-purity steviol glycosides GRAS; whole-leaf/crude NOT approved (Import Alert 45-06); EU: authorized as E960, ADI 4 mg/kg bw/day (steviol equiv.)
  • Evidence Grade: A

Commonly found in

Diet sodasTabletop sweetenersFlavored watersSugar-free yogurtProtein bars

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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