How to Tell If Your Liquid Stevia Has Gone Bad

How to Tell If Your Liquid Stevia Has Gone Bad

With its zero calories and sweet taste, liquid stevia is a popular sugar substitute for health-conscious eaters and those with diabetes. But like any product, it can eventually go bad. Here’s how to tell if your liquid stevia has spoiled and when it's time to toss it.

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant native to South America. It contains steviol glycosides including rebaudioside A and stevioside which give it a sweet flavor.

Unlike sugar, stevia has no calories, carbs, or effect on blood sugar. It has been used for centuries in some parts of the world and gained mainstream popularity in recent years.

The FDA recognizes stevia as GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe. Both pure stevia extracts and processed stevia sweeteners have been approved for use in foods and beverages.

Benefits of Stevia

Here are some of the top evidence-based benefits of using stevia as a sugar substitute:

• Zero calories - Does not contribute calories or carbs to your diet
• Does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels - Safe for diabetics
• No artificial ingredients - Made from a natural plant
• Extremely sweet - Small amounts provide sweetness with no calories
• May reduce hypertension - Helps lower high blood pressure in some studies

Using stevia in place of sugar allows you to reduce calories without sacrificing sweetness. This can assist with weight management and blood sugar control.

Types of Stevia

There are a few different types of stevia sweeteners available:

• Liquid stevia - Concentrated stevia extract in liquid form used by drops
• Powdered stevia - Dried and finely ground stevia leaves for blending into recipes
• Stevia packets - Powdered stevia in individual use packets, like sugar packets
• Baked goods blends - Powdered stevia with ingredients like erythritol to mimic sugar’s effects during baking

Liquid stevia is the most concentrated form, providing the most sweetness by volume. It's commonly added by drops to beverages.

Can Liquid Stevia Go Bad?

Yes, liquid stevia can eventually expire and go bad, just like any other food product. Here are some signs your liquid stevia may have spoiled:

1. Expired Date

Always check the printed expiration or best by date on your stevia bottle. This gives you an idea of its freshness level and shelf life after opening. For unopened liquid stevia, this date is typically 1-2 years from manufacture.

Once opened, the clock starts ticking. The timeline depends on storage conditions, but liquid stevia usually lasts around 6-12 months after opening.

2. Changes in Appearance

Fresh liquid stevia is clear in color. Over time, it may darken and become cloudy or opaque. Sediment, debris or particles in the bottle are other warning signs stevia has gone bad.

3. Changes in Smell

Liquid stevia has a slight licorice-like smell when fresh. If you notice strange odors like mustiness, mold or general foulness, it has likely spoiled.

4. Changes in Flavor

Fresh liquid stevia should have a clean, sweet flavor. Rancid or bitter tastes indicate it has gone off. A decreased intensity of sweetness can also signal aging stevia.

If your liquid stevia displays any of these signs, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it. Using spoiled stevia with off tastes and odors can ruin recipes and beverages.

How to Store Liquid Stevia Properly

Following proper storage methods can help extend the shelf life of your liquid stevia and keep it fresher for longer:

Seal It Tight

Always replace the lid on your stevia bottle tightly after each use. This prevents moisture from getting in which can degrade quality over time.

Keep It Cool

Store stevia in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life further. Keep it far away from the stove, oven or any source of heat.

Watch for Contamination

Don’t let the dropper touch your drinks or food as it can contaminate the bottle. Never return unused liquid from the dropper back into the stevia bottle.

Keep It Clean

Wipe the threads and dropper with a clean cloth before replacing the lid to prevent buildup of drips that can degrade quality.

Use Within Recommended Time

Throw away opened stevia bottles after 6-12 months and unopened ones after the expiry date for best flavor and food safety.

Common Signs of Spoiled Liquid Stevia

Be on the lookout for these signs that your liquid stevia may have gone bad:

1. Expired Date Passed

Don’t use liquid stevia past its printed expiration date, especially if unopened. If opened, toss within 6-12 months for best quality.

2. Change in Color

Liquid stevia slowly darkens and becomes opaque as it ages. Clear and colorless means it’s fresh.

3. Cloudiness

Particles, debris or sediment visible in the bottle indicate stevia has likely gone off.

4. Strange Smell

Foul, musty or moldy odors signal stevia has spoiled. It should smell lightly sweet.

5. Change in Taste

Rancid, bitter or weak flavor means liquid stevia is past its prime. Toss it if the taste seems “off”.

Is It Safe to Consume Expired Liquid Stevia?

As a natural product, stevia itself won’t make you sick if consumed a little past its prime. But contamination is a concern with any expired food product.

Bacteria, mold and other pathogens can grow over time, especially if introduced from improper handling. This is especially risky for those with compromised immune systems.

While stevia has antimicrobial properties, there’s no guarantee about the safety of an expired product. It’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming stevia past its printed date or if there are obvious signs it has spoiled.

What to Do With Expired Liquid Stevia

Don’t take chances with spoiled stevia. Here are some smart ways to dispose of expired liquid stevia:

1. Throw It Away

Toss the stevia bottle in your regular household trash. Make sure to seal it tightly first.

2. Drain First

For less mess, drain any remaining liquid down the sink before putting the empty bottle in the trash.

3. Avoid the Compost

Don’t add old stevia to your compost pile, as it can contaminate finished compost soil.

4. Never Dump Outside

Don’t pour liquid stevia outside, as this can negatively impact plants, pets or wildlife.

Proper disposal keeps expired stevia from accidentally being consumed and prevents environmental contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does unopened liquid stevia last?

Unopened liquid stevia typically lasts 1-2 years past its printed expiration date when stored properly.

2. Does stevia go bad if it crystallizes?

Yes, crystallization indicates stevia has absorbed moisture and gone bad. Discard crystallized stevia.

3. Can you get sick from using old stevia?

Consuming stevia past its prime likely won't make you sick immediately but increases contamination risk from bacteria over time.

4. Is expired liquid stevia safe in tea or coffee?

It's not recommended to use expired stevia as off tastes and bacteria can get into your drinks. When in doubt, toss it out.

The Bottom Line

With its zero calorie sweetness, liquid stevia can be part of a healthy diet. But eventually it does degrade and expire. Be diligent about proper storage and watch for signs it has gone bad like changes in taste, smell or appearance.

While a little expired stevia likely won’t harm you, it’s better to be safe and avoid any possible contaminants. When in doubt, remember it’s inexpensive and easy enough to replace.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.