Is stevia safe for diabetics?

Yes. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), sugar substitutes like Stevia leaf extract when “used alone or in foods and beverages remain an option and when used appropriately can aid in glucose control” for people with diabetes.

The ADA also says sugar substitutes “may help people reach and maintain a healthy body weight – as long as the substitution doesn’t lead to eating additional calories later as ‘compensation.’”

However, foods or drinks sweetened with Stevia leaf extract may still have carbohydrates or calories from other ingredients, which may raise your blood sugar. Check next to the Nutrition Facts label on our bottles and cans for the ingredients list.

If you have diabetes and want to know how Stevia leaf extract can fit into your diet, please speak with your doctor.


What is stevia?

Stevia leaf extract is an ingredient we use in some of our beverages, like Coca-Cola Life, vitaminwater zero, Fuze Meyer Lemon Black Tea and Blue Sky Zero Sugar Cola. Here are four things to know about it:

  1. It is a sugar substitute that doesn’t add calories.
  2. It comes from the leaf of the stevia plant.
  3. Stevia leaves are soaked in water like brewing tea to get Stevia leaf extract
  4. It can be used with sugar or other sugar substitutes to give you reduced- or no-sugar alternatives.

Interested in knowing more? Read here.


Is stevia safe?

Yes. Stevia leaf extract is an ingredient we use in some of our beverages, so we’re interested in its safety. Globally recognized authorities, including the FDA, say Stevia leaf extract is safe.

The FDA has set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for Stevia leaf extract. This is how much you can safely have each day. The ADI for Stevia leaf extract is like a 132-pound adult having 9 tabletop packets every day. 


Why does The Coca-Cola Company use stevia?

While sugar in moderation is fine, too much sugar isn’t good for anyone. That’s why we make reduced- or no-sugar versions of many of the drinks you love. We want to give you great-tasting choices with fewer or no calories. Stevia leaf extract allows us to do this.

See how we’re reducing sugar in our products.


Learn more