The History of Stevia: From Ancient Use to Modern Popularity
INTRODUCTION
Stevia, a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, has gained significant popularity in recent years. Known for its zero-calorie sweetness and natural origins, stevia is now a preferred choice for many health-conscious consumers. However, the journey of stevia from its ancient use to modern popularity is a fascinating tale that spans centuries and continents. Let’s explore the rich history of stevia, its traditional applications, and how it evolved to become a staple in today’s food and beverage industry.
ANCIENT ROOTS
The story of stevia begins in South America, particularly in Paraguay and Brazil, where the indigenous Guaraní people have used the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant for centuries. Known as “ka’a he’ê,” meaning “sweet herb” in the Guaraní language, stevia leaves were traditionally used to sweeten beverages such as yerba mate and medicinal teas. The Guaraní also recognized the plant’s medicinal properties, using it to treat various ailments, including heartburn and diabetes.
INTRODUCTION TO THE WEST
Stevia’s journey to the Western world began in the late 19th century when Swiss botanist Moisés Santiago Bertoni first documented the plant in 1887. Bertoni, intrigued by the plant’s intense sweetness, conducted extensive research and published his findings in 1901, officially naming it Stevia rebaudiana in honor of Paraguayan chemist Rebaudi, who was the first to extract the plant’s sweet compounds
EARLY SCIENTIFIC INTEREST
Stevia started to gain scientific attention in the early 20th century. Japanese researchers were among the first to explore stevia’s potential as a sugar substitute. In the 1970s, Japan began cultivating stevia on a commercial scale, driven by the need for healthier alternatives to sugar amid rising health concerns. By 1971, stevia had become a common sweetener in Japan, used in a variety of products from soft drinks to soy sauce.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
The global journey of stevia continued through the late 20th and early 21st centuries. In the 1990s, stevia faced regulatory hurdles in the United States and Europe due to concerns over its safety. However, extensive scientific research and lobbying by stevia advocates led to the approval of steviol glycosides, the sweet compounds in stevia, by major health authorities. In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognized steviol glycosides as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), and the European Union followed suit in 2011.
MODERN POPULATION
Today, stevia enjoys widespread acceptance and is a key ingredient in numerous products worldwide. Its popularity has surged due to growing health awareness and the demand for natural, low-calorie sweeteners. Major food and beverage companies, including Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, have incorporated stevia into their products, offering consumers healthier alternatives without compromising on taste.
CULTIVATION & INNOVATION
Stevia cultivation has expanded beyond South America, with significant production in China, India, and other parts of Asia. Advances in agricultural practices and extraction technologies have improved the efficiency and purity of stevia production. Companies like PureCircle and Cargill continue to innovate, developing new stevia-based sweeteners that offer improved taste profiles and greater versatility in food applications.
CONCLUSION
The history of stevia is a testament to its enduring appeal and versatility as a natural sweetener. From its ancient use by the Guaraní people to its modern-day applications in a wide range of products, stevia has come a long way. As health-conscious consumers continue to seek natural alternatives to sugar, stevia’s popularity is set to grow even further, cementing its place as a staple in the global food and beverage industry.
[1]“Stevia: History and Use” – SweetLeaf [Link](https://www.sweetleaf.com/stevia-history/)
[2]“The Guarani and Stevia: An Indigenous Connection” – Natural Society [Link](https://naturalsociety.com/guarani-stevia-indigenous-connection/)
[3]“Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni)” – Botanical Review [Link](https://www.botanicalreview.com/stevia-rebaudiana-history)
[4]“History of Stevia” – Stevia Hub [Link](https://www.steviahub.com/history-of-stevia/)
[5]“FDA Recognizes Steviol Glycosides as Safe” – FDA [Link](https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-recognizes-steviol-glycosides-safe)
[6]“Stevia Approved by European Union” – EFSA Journal [Link](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/journal/stevia-approval)
[7]“Stevia in Major Brands” – Food Navigator [Link](https://www.foodnavigator.com/stevia-in-major-brands)
[8]“Advances in Stevia Production” – PureCircle [Link](https://www.purecircle.com/stevia-production-advances)
