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Technically I don't think its artificial. However, I notice that most Stevia products also contain dextrose. I don't think dextrose is considered artificial either but still, it begs the question why Stevia alone isn't enough and/or if dextrose is low or zero calorie then why not just use that?

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Dextrose is a filler starch. Raw concentrated sweetener would be more than you could handle, so the dextrose is added to allow you to use the artificial sweetener like you would use table sugar, e.g. spooning it or baking with it.

If you buy liquids then you don't get filler starch like dextrose.

Thanks for clarifying that! That's been bugging me forever. :)

Hmm. I bought a small container of pure stevia powder from Whole Foods, and it has a little tiny spoon I'd say about 1/20th a teaspoon. Put even that small amount in a cup of tea and it is as sweet as a whole packet of sugar.

Friendly correction, "begs the question" doesn't mean what you say in your post.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Begging_the_question

It's too late, that ship has sailed.

I've seen the incorrect usage in very fancy printed reference books.

This is just one of those ways where language changes.

agree. it's a moot point ;)

Tragically, too many people are disinterested in the actual meaning of words and phrases.

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