Stevia Is 100% Natural – The Hidden Truth Behind Processing

Stevia is often marketed as a 100% natural sweetener, making it a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking to reduce sugar intake. However, while the stevia plant itself is natural, the processing it undergoes before reaching store shelves raises questions about how “natural” it truly remains. Let’s uncover the hidden truth behind stevia processing and what it means for consumers.

What Is Stevia?

Stevia is a plant native to South America, known for its intensely sweet leaves. The sweetness comes from compounds called steviol glycosides, which are extracted and refined to produce the stevia sweeteners found in stores.

The Processing of Stevia

Unlike raw stevia leaves, which can be dried and used as a natural sweetener, commercial stevia products go through a multi-step extraction and purification process. Here’s a look at the key steps:

1. Harvesting and Drying – Stevia leaves are harvested, dried, and crushed into a powder.
2. Water Extraction – The dried leaves are steeped in water to extract the sweet steviol glycosides.
3. Filtration and Purification – The extract is filtered to remove plant matter and impurities.
4. Chemical Treatment – Some manufacturers use chemical solvents like ethanol or methanol to refine the extract further.
5. Crystallization – The purified steviol glycosides are crystallized into a white powder, which is then used in sweeteners.
6. Blending with Other Ingredients – To improve texture and taste, most commercial stevia products are mixed with fillers like erythritol, dextrose, or maltodextrin.

Is Stevia Still Natural?

While the stevia plant itself is natural, the industrial processing required to make stevia extract raises concerns. Many brands use chemical solvents, high heat, and purification processes that strip the plant of its natural state. By the time it reaches consumers, stevia is far from its original form.

Gurmae Jaggery Cubes: A Natural Alternative

If you’re looking for a truly natural sweetener, Gurmae Jaggery Cubes offers a great alternative. These cubes are the world’s first, patented instantly dissolvable jaggery cubes, designed to dissolve in seconds in both hot and cold beverages. Perfect as a tea and coffee sweetener, they provide a natural, unprocessed option that retains the richness of taste, minerals & vitamins, inherently found in jaggery.

Conclusion

While stevia is marketed as a natural alternative to sugar, the reality is that most commercial products undergo extensive processing. Being informed about how your sweetener is made can help you make healthier choices. Opt for less processed versions like Gurmae Jaggery Cubes to enjoy the benefits of natural sweetness.