Stevia has surged in popularity in recent years as a natural, plant-based alternative to sugar. Extracts from the Stevia rebaudiana plant offer a zero-calorie sweetness without the blood sugar spike of sucrose. With more consumers opting for “clean eating” lifestyles, stevia provides a way to reduce sugar and calories without artificial sweeteners. However, some sources claim stevia extracts contain trace amounts of alcohol from the production process. This article will analyze the chemical composition of stevia leaf extract and examine whether alcohol is inherently present or introduced during manufacturing.
What Does Stevia Leaf Extract Contain?
Stevia leaf separately contains sweet substances called steviol glycosides, which are normally present in the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. There are more than 40 different steviol glycosides that have been recognized, however, 11 are viewed as significant glycosides in light of their overflow (1). Each steviol glycoside has a slightly different taste profile and sweetness intensity.
The essential steviol glycosides in business stevia leaf extract are stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevioside normally contains 10-70% of stevia removes, while rebaudioside A makes up 20-70% (2). These two glycosides have the most noteworthy pleasantness force, with stevioside being between 100-300 times better than sucrose, and rebaudioside A being 200-400 times better (3).
Other glycosides like rebaudiosides B, C, D, E, and F are minor components. In total, steviol glycosides give stevia extracts their characteristic sweet taste without adding calories, carbohydrates, or blood sugar impact.
Chemical Composition of Stevia Leaf Extract
Stevia extract is primarily composed of steviol glycosides like stevioside and rebaudioside A. These naturally sweet compounds comprise 60-95% of high-purity commercial stevia extracts (4).
In addition to steviol glycosides, stevia leaf extract contains other classes of plant-derived compounds:
- Flavonoids like quercetin give cell reinforcement and calming exercises (5).
- Chlorophylls give stevia its green tone.
- Triterpenes like steviol have harsh flavor notes.
- Follow nutrients, amino acids, and minerals are available.
- Fiber, protein, and polyunsaturated unsaturated fats are tracked down in small amounts.
- Tannins, carotenoids, and sterols are minor parts.
The extraction process concentrates the levels of sweet glycosides while removing most other compounds. This yields a very purified extract.
Alcohol in Stevia Leaf Extract?
Pure stevia leaf extract powder does not inherently contain alcohol as one of its natural chemical constituents. However, small amounts of ethanol or methanol may be used in the commercial extraction and purification process as solvents.
One study tested 34 commercial stevia extracts from China and found alcohol levels between 0.1-1.28%, with an average of just 0.35% (6). This minute residual alcohol from processing is deemed safe and compliant with food regulations.
Therefore, while tiny traces from manufacturing may remain, stevia extract itself does not naturally contain or produce alcohol.
Does Stevia Leaf Extract Have Sugar Alcohol?
Sugar alcohols like erythritol, xylitol, and maltitol are not present in pure stevia leaf extract but are sometimes added to commercial products. Sugar alcohols can improve texture and mouthfeel. However, these are additive ingredients, not inherent components of stevia leaf extract before processing.
Does Stevia Leaf Have Ethanol?
The stevia leaf does not naturally contain or produce ethanol. However, during commercial processing, ethanol is commonly used as an extraction solvent. One study found residual ethanol levels between 0.09-1.28% in finished stevia extracts (7). The ethanol facilitates extraction, but trace residues may persist after purification. The stevia leaf itself does not generate ethanol without human processing.
Alcohol-Based Stevia Products
Some ready-to-use stevia products do intentionally contain alcohol as a carrier or preservative. For example, popular liquid drops and concentrated extracts often use ethanol, frequently advertised as “natural alcohol.” Flavored stevia products with added essential oils or extracts sometimes include alcohol too. These liquids have more alcohol than dry powders.
Which Stevia Has No Alcohol?
To avoid alcohol exposure from stevia, dry forms like powders, granules, tablets, and capsules are the best choices, rather than liquid drops. Products explicitly labeled “alcohol-free” or “no alcohol added” provide assurance. Organic certified stevia extracts also minimize the chance of questionable solvents. Pure stevia leaf powder contains no alcohol unless added externally.
Alcohol-Free Stevia Options
Consumers seeking to avoid alcohol can look for dry stevia powders, granules, capsules, and tablets wthatare unlikely to contain alcohol. Organic, non-GMO stevia extracts also minimize alcohol risk. Reading labels and contacting manufacturers about extraction methods provides information. Combining stevia powder with water makes a homemade alcohol-free liquid sweetener.
Those with alcohol sensitivities or religious avoidance reasons can use guaranteed alcohol-free stevia products. Individuals should consult doctors with any concerns about stevia extract sources and alcohol content.
Alcohol Sensitivity and Allergies
For people with alcohol intolerance, allergies, or religious reasons to avoid alcohol, careful selection of stevia extracts allows sugar substitution since alcohol-free options exist. Individuals should read labels, contact companies if uncertain, and see doctors if concerned. Pure stevia leaf extract without flavors or solvents is the lowest-risk choice. With informed sourcing, even those fully abstaining from alcohol can enjoy stevia’s benefits.
In summary, pure stevia leaf powder extract does not inherently contain alcohol, but trace residues from certain extraction methods may persist. Consumers wanting to avoid alcohol can seek out alcohol-free labeling, non-liquid forms, organic sources, and reputable brands. With sound choices, stevia provides a no-calorie, plant-based sweetener alternative without alcohol exposure.
In summary, pure natural stevia leaf extract itself does not contain alcohol, but trace amounts of alcohol may be present due to certain extraction methods. To avoid alcohol, look for products labeled as "no alcohol added" or "alcohol-free," and choose non-liquid forms, organic sources, and reputable brands. Botanical Cube Inc. is a professional supplier of stevia leaf extract that you can trust. If you are interested in this product or want to learn more, please feel free to contact us at sales@botanicalcube.com. Innovation, research, and quality assurance are important aspects of our commitment. We aim to evaluate the unique qualities of our products through scientific testing, including purity and microbiology. We focus on helping our customers develop new and innovative formulas, providing professional technology and customized services. We have advanced testing and identification equipment and collaborate with globally recognized third-party laboratories to ensure stable, safe, and efficient product quality.
References:
1. Jarma Arroyo, J., Madan Kumar, P. D., & Mandal, V. (2019). Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni: An Overview of Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(4), 1150–1162.
2. Koyama, E., Kitazawa, K., Ohori, Y., Izawa, O., Kakegawa, K., Fujino, A., & Ui, M. (2003). In vitro metabolism of the glycosidic sweeteners, stevia mixture, and enzymatically modified stevia in human intestinal microflora. Food and chemical toxicology, 41(3), 359–374.
3. Lemus-Mondaca, R., Vega-Gálvez, A., Zura-Bravo, L., & Kong, A. (2012). Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, source of a high-potency natural sweetener: A comprehensive review on the biochemical, nutritional and functional aspects. Food chemistry 132(3), 1121–1132.
4. Goyal, S.K., Samsher, & Goyal, R.K. (2010). Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) a bio-sweetener: a review. Int J Food Sci Nutr, 61(1), 1-10.
5. Shivanna, N., Naika, M., Khanum, F., & Kaul, V. K. (2013). Antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and renal protective properties of Stevia rebaudiana. Journal of diabetes and its complications, 27(2), 103–113.
6. Jiang, Y., Wu, F., Tan, D., Yang, J., Cao, Y., Jia, L., & Chen, F. (2015). Comparative studies of steviol glycosides produced from Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni by different extraction methods. Nutracos, 12(5).
7. Koyama, E., Kitazawa, K., Ohori, Y., Izawa, O., Kakegawa, K., Fujino, A., & Ui, M. (2003). In vitro metabolism of the glycosidic sweeteners, stevia mixture, and enzymatically modified stevia in human intestinal microflora. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 41(3), 359–374.