Stevia (steviol glycosides)

Stevia refers to purified steviol glycosides extracted from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. These compounds give sports drinks a sweet taste without added sugar or calories.

How it is made and works

The stevia plant has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in South America to sweeten beverages. Modern production involves steeping the leaves to release steviol glycosides, then purifying these compounds to at least 95 % purity. The major glycosides, including rebaudioside A and stevioside, are 200–400 times sweeter than sucrose yet contribute virtually no energy. After consumption, most steviol glycosides pass through the digestive tract unchanged; gut bacteria break down a small portion into steviol, which is absorbed and quickly excreted. Stevia extracts are stable at high temperatures and across a wide range of pH, making them suitable for powdered drink mixes and ready‑to‑drink products. Because the sweetness has a slower onset and a slight licorice or bitter aftertaste, formulators often blend stevia with other sweeteners such as erythritol or sucralose to create a more balanced flavour. Regulatory authorities in many countries recognise high‑purity steviol glycosides as Generally Recognised as Safe, but whole leaves and crude extracts are not approved for use as commercial sweeteners. Athletes choose drinks sweetened with stevia to avoid sugar spikes and reduce calorie intake while maintaining palatability.

Notable characteristics

• Derived from a natural herb; purified steviol glycosides are responsible for sweetness.
• About 200–400 times sweeter than table sugar, allowing very small amounts to replace large quantities of sucrose.
• Provides negligible calories and does not raise blood glucose levels.
• Heat and acid stable; suitable for powdered mixes, tablets and ready‑to‑drink sports beverages.
• Often combined with other sweeteners to reduce its distinctive aftertaste.

Stevia sweeteners enable the creation of low‑ and zero‑sugar sports drinks that still taste pleasant. When used thoughtfully with complementary flavours, stevia helps athletes hydrate without consuming added sugars.

Related Terms: Artificial sweetener, Sucralose, Acesulfame potassium (Ace‑K), Monk fruit (luo han guo), Erythritol