Why We Avoid Stevia
If you have ever tried to avoid sugar, you’ve probably encountered stevia. It’s in everything from electrolyte powders to health drinks, protein bars to sauces. Marketed as a “natural” zero-calorie sweetener, stevia has carved out a huge place in the health and wellness space. But here’s the thing: we avoid it. And today, we’re sharing why.
Before we dive in, check out our previous articles on two natural sweeteners we do love:
Once touted as a clean, plant-based alternative to sugar, stevia has earned a health halo. But emerging research (and personal experience) has caused many of us to rethink its place in our diets.
Valerie, RD, MPH, put it best:
“This is one of those things I've changed my mind about. I no longer think stevia is favorable for the gut microbiome, based on my observations and then looking at some of the research.”
Here’s why:
Disrupted bacterial communication: Stevia interferes with quorum sensing, a natural process that helps your gut bacteria communicate and maintain balance.
Gut imbalance: Some studies show stevia decreases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Digestive & metabolic issues: Animal studies have linked stevia to negative effects on digestion and metabolism, impacting not just the mother rats but their offspring as well.
Glucose intolerance: Research in both humans and mice found that non-caloric sweeteners like stevia can contribute to glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiome.
But It’s Everywhere…
Try finding an electrolyte drink, energy bar, or wellness tonic without stevia.
It’s a challenge, even many “natural” brands sneak it in.
That’s why we’re intentional about the products we choose instead.
Brain, Gut, and Beyond
More research is surfacing around stevia’s impact on the brain and nervous system. In some animal studies, stevia consumption altered memory, dopamine signaling, and even triggered symptoms similar to restless legs syndrome (RLS).
In these studies, stevia continues to raise red flags regarding its influence on the gut microbiome, which we all know is a major pillar of overall health.
Studies show that stevia and its derivatives may inhibit beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus reuteri, while also disrupting bacterial communication and altering pH balance in the colon.
Even though human clinical trials are still limited, these findings align with anecdotal reports of bloating, GI discomfort, and food sensitivities along with stevia use.
Reproductive and Hormonal Effects
One of the lesser-known concerns about stevia is its potential impact on reproductive health and hormone function.
A study on rats found that Stevia significantly reduced fertility in adult female rats and that the effect persisted for over 50 days after stopping intake.
It also triggered a rapid calcium influx in sperm cells, further suggesting its possible impact on reproductive health and hormone balance.
Furthermore, although steviol glycosides are derived from a plant and thus marketed as "natural," their safety cannot be assumed. These compounds have a steroid-like structure and have demonstrated potential to disrupt the endocrine system.
Our “Go-To”
Stevia-Free Electrolyte Drinks:
💧 Sport Drink
With no fillers, no chemicals, and a clean ingredient list, this one is a staple for us.
💦 Maine Root Soda
We love that it is organically sweetened. We also love the Ginger Brew flavor!
🍊 Revivo
Hydration that doesn’t lie: real fruit, real cane sugar, real sea salt. No fake flavors, or fake sweeteners.
Boylan Cane Cola
One of the best colas that we have tried, we love it for the simple ingredients.
Why We Choose Real Sugar
We believe in natural, not zero-calorie. Real cane sugar in small amounts, especially paired with minerals and whole foods, is far more favorable for metabolic health than any hyper-processed sweeteners.
That’s why you’ll often find us sipping on:
Craft root beers made with real sugar
Colas that use cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup or artificial alternatives
Home-brewed teas or lemonades lightly sweetened with maple syrup or honey
The Bottom Line
We're not anti-sweetener, we're pro real. When something is marketed as “zero-calorie” or “natural,” we always ask: At what cost?
For us, stevia isn’t worth the risk to our gut health or metabolic function. Instead, we reach for sweeteners that come straight from the earth, in their most unrefined forms.
Because real wellness isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about choosing what’s truly nourishing.
Looking for more gut-friendly swaps? Have you tried cutting out stevia? What differences did you notice? Let us know!
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