Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana is a natural sweetener obtained from the leaves of the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana. This plant-based sweetener is derived from one of two glycoside molecules, stevioside and rebaudioside A. These chemicals are calorie-free, up to 450 times sweeter than sugar, and may taste somewhat different.

According to human and animal studies, substituting sugar with stevia may help prevent weight gain and lower blood sugar levels. While stevia is usually regarded as harmless, some research suggests that it may affect your gut microbiota.