Stevia

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is a natural, perennial sweet herb native to South America, widely cultivated and increasingly popular in South Africa as a healthy, calorie-free sugar substitute. Its leaves contain highly sweet compounds called steviol glycosides, which can be hundreds of times sweeter than sugar without raising blood sugar levels, making it particularly beneficial for diabetics and those managing their weight. Primarily, dried or fresh stevia leaves can be used to sweeten teas, coffees, smoothies, and homemade beverages. In powdered or liquid extract forms, it is incorporated into a vast range of products, from baked goods and desserts to commercial soft drinks and yoghurts, offering a natural sweetness without the associated calories or glycemic impact of traditional sugar.