What is Stevia? Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America. It's often called "sweet leaf" or "sweet herb" because it's packed with compounds called steviol glycosides that make it intensely sweet—up to 200 to 350 times sweeter than regular table sugar! The best part? Unlike sugar, pure stevia leaf extract is zero-calorie and does not raise your blood sugar levels, making it a favorite for people managing diabetes or watching their weight.