The invention provides a high throughput, high purity, high yield system and method of isolating and purifying rebaudioside A ("Reb A"), with acceptable water solubility for all commercial uses, from commercially available Stevia rebaudiana starting material. The invention also provides a means of maximizing yields of 99+% purity Reb A based on the attributes of a given batch of Stevia starting material. The Reb A produced by the invention is water soluble, devoid of bitterness heretofore associated with rebaudioside sweeteners, non-caloric, and suitable for use as a reagent and as an ingredient in orally consumed products, e.g., as a sweetener, flavor enhancer, and flavor modifier.