Small amounts go a long way and, unlike other sugar substitutes, there is no after-taste.
Research in Japan has found stevia to be safe and nontoxic so it is used in soy sauce, chewing gum and mouthwash. It is non-fattening and can be used on cereals and in herbal teas. It also contains iron, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin C, and zinc. May Stevia is sweeping the natural-food industry. Consumers want to use it, stores want to include it in their food and cosmetic products.