Stevia

Stevia (CAS Number: 58543-16-1) is a natural, high-intensity sweetener obtained from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a common plant from the Amambay region in northeastern Paraguay. It is widely used in the food and beverage industry as a zero-calorie sugar substitute, with a plant-based origin and strong sweetness. Stevia is suitable for food-grade applications and is commonly used for reduced-sugar, sugar-free, diabetic-friendly, and keto formulations.

Stevia is available in powder form with a white colour. The powder has a very fine, lightweight, powdery texture and is prone to clumping if exposed to moisture. Stevia powder is highly soluble in water, with solubility exceeding 40% at room temperature, and it dissolves even more easily in warm or hot liquids such as coffee and tea. It is also highly soluble in alcohol and remains stable in water and acidic solutions commonly found in beverages.

Stevia functions as a sweetener with a sweetness intensity approximately 50-300 times greater than sugar, depending on purity and steviol glycoside content. It provides sweetness without calories and does not raise blood glucose levels. Stevia is heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking applications. However, higher concentrations may produce a bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste. To address this, stevia is often blended with other sweeteners or processed using techniques such as microencapsulation to improve taste balance.

Stevia is widely used across the food and beverage sector, including sugar-free beverages, flavoured drinks, chewing gum, baked goods, sauces, dairy alternatives, and tabletop sweeteners. Its natural origin and clean-label appeal make it common in health-focused and plant-based product formulations.

Due to its high sweetness intensity, only very small amounts of stevia are required. The acceptable daily intake is 4 mg per kg of body weight. 1 gram of high-purity stevia extract can replace up to 450 grams of sugar, though excessive use may increase bitterness.

Stevia products are Halal and BPOM (Indonesian FDA) certified. COA (Certificate of Analysis) and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are provided, with additional Health Certificates and Heavy Metal Analysis available upon request.

Stevia is packaged in drums and should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Proper storage is essential to prevent moisture absorption, clumping, and quality degradation. Containers should be kept tightly closed and protected from heat and direct sunlight to maintain product stability and performance.