If you have been reading up on stevia lately, you may have also noticed references to Reb A, also known as Rebiana or more formally, Rebaudioside A.  This all natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant was finally classified as a "GRAS" (generally recognized as safe) food additive by the FDA last December.

Consider that obesity has practically become an epidemic in the United States, this is clearly an opportune time for the all natural, zero calorie Reb A to be available to consumers. 

So what exactly is Reb A?

Reb A comes from the Stevia Rebaudiana plant, which grows naturally in South America.  Natives there have been using the leaves of this plant for their  sweetening properties for centuries.  A substance known scientifically as steviol glycoside rebaudioside A is extracted from the leaves of this herbal plant and from that Reb A is produced. 

Although Rebiana is one of many of the sweet substances which can be extracted from the stevia plant, it is not to be confused with the stevia which you could find in health food stores as a dietary supplement.  

Reb A is incredibly intense in terms of its sweetening power.  Stevia extract powder and other forms of stevia sweetener are typically 300 times as sweet as regular sugar.   This particular substance is also very sweet; at least 200 to 300 times the sugar you put on your cereal.  Reports do vary, as some indicate it is up to 450 times sweeter.  

Regardless, it is generally considered to have one of the best and sweetest flavors of all the different steviol glycosides.

Currently, Rebiana or Reb A can be found on the market under a variety of trade names.  These include PureVia and Truvia.  Of course, companies selling this product will put a lot of emphasis on the fact that it comes from a plant and is thus a natural sweetener.  This may make it very appealing to many consumers who are wary of the frequently reported potential dangers of non-natural artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. 

Like stevia sweetleaf, Reb A has a long list of benefits which make it a great choice for individuals of all types. Following is a list: 

• It has zero calories, so won't contribute to weight gain
• It doesn't cause spikes or drops in blood sugar, which is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes or hypoglycemia
• It takes only a very small amount to provide a high level of sweet flavor
• It is great for cooking and baking
• It helps keep bacteria forming in the mouth which means less plaque and thus fewer cavities and other oral problems
• It is considered entirely safe and has no proven side effects
• It dissolves readily in water
• The sweet flavor is more long lasting than sugar

Now that it is on the market in the USA, it will be interesting to see if more consumers start choosing Reb A over other sugar alternatives.  Considering all these great benefits, this is definitely a sweetener worth considering!