In this piece, we are going to share the details on Stevia, the best Stevia products, and more. So, get ready to find all the answers to the questions you have.
There is a new product that is quickly taking over the sweetener section of your supermarket: stevia. Stevia can sweeten much more than sugar-free tablets and it offers the great advantage of not having zero calories. It is, therefore, a great way to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing taste and you can have your favorite sweet dishes whenever you wish. It is even great for people having diabetes.
Did you know that stevia belongs to the group of natural, safe, calorie-free sugar substitutes and is a useful alternative for fighting obesity? Stevia’s taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, and some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations.
These are extracted through a process of harvesting the leaves, then drying, water extraction, and purification. Crude stevia, the processed product before it is purified, often carries a bitter taste and foul smell until it is bleached or decolored. It takes roughly 40 steps to process the final stevia extract.
Stevia leaves contain stevioside in a range of concentrations up to around 18 percent.
Some of the common trade names for stevia sweeteners are:
- Enliten
- PureVia
- Rebiana
- Stevia
- Steviacane
- Stevia Extract In The Raw
- SweetLeaf
Is stevia a sugar substitute?
Experts claim that stevia is 300 to 400 times sweeter than white sugar. It has gained a strong following since it does not influence blood sugar levels and has a captivating sweetness. Since the U.S. approved its consumption as a food additive, many people have left the sugar out of their diets and switched to this substance. However, one thing which is a little uncomfortable about stevia is its bitterness aftertaste. So not everyone is comfortable in consuming stevia.
Calories & Health Benefits of Stevia
This calorie-free quality has led stevia to be recommended by the dieticians for weight loss programs. The lack of calories in stevia also means that consumers do not have to sacrifice taste, and it has no effect on blood glucose levels. This is why stevia is an ideal substance for those who have dietary restrictions, and the satiating effect of its sweet taste is an additional advantage.
The best thing about stevia is that it is both suitable and beneficial for basically everyone. We wont go as far as saying that it is a miracle product, but it has been made very apparent that its consumption is safe, as indicated by U.S. food standards. It is appropriate for people suffering from diabetes, hypertension or obesity. Stevia is even recommended for children and pregnant women. According to the European Food Safety Authority, the maximum recommended daily dose of stevia is 4 mg of extract per 2.2 pounds of body weight of the person. Here is a more concrete example: an individual weighing 132 pounds can consume up to 2.5 ounces of stevia per day.
Stevia is often touted as a safe and healthy sugar substitute that can sweeten up foods without the negative health effects linked to refined sugar. It’s also associated with several impressive health benefits, such as reduced calorie intake, blood sugar levels, and risk of cavities.
Forms of Stevia supplements & Best Stevia Products Available in the market.
1: CC Nature Organic Stevia Powder (4 Oz.)
Stevia powder is a sweetener and sugar substitute made from leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana. Stevia’s taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar. It is great for baking, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, hot drinks, and adding to smoothies and shakes.CC Natures Organic Stevia Powder is USDA certified all organic natural non-sugar sweetener.CC Nature has been making all-natural organic products for years, and their organic stevia is hard to beat in terms of quality and purity. Made to truly taste like sugar, with no disagreeable aftertaste, this is something that every person who is conscious of the amount of sugar in their diet can keep in their baking pantry.
2: SweetLeaf Liquid Stevia Sweet Drops (2 Oz), Best Stevia Products
This sweetener is in the form of drops and has real vanilla extract and aromatics to create a great non-sugar alternative when baking and mixing. Two teaspoons of these drops are equal to 1 cup of sugar. Sweetleaf drops come in different flavors like root beer, English toffee and many more. This is zero calories, zero carb product that tastes awesome and is a much healthier alternative to processed sugar. The power of this stevia product means you are literally paying a penny per drop.
3: Omica Organics Butterscotch Toffee Organic Liquid Stevia (2 oz)
Omica Organics, one of the best stevia products available in the market, has spent considerable time perfecting its Butterscotch Toffee Organic Liquid Stevia. This sweet, natural, non-bitter sugar substitute is healthy and made straight from organic stevia leaves. Omica Organics is a refreshingly sweet,smooth-tasting and Truly Bitter-Free natural sweetener. It is a highly concentrated direct extract created using our revolutionary TruExtract process.
Omica Organics drops are non-GMO, gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan, zero-calorie, zero-glycemic, zero carb sweetener. It is certified Organic drops. It has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives in it. Each bottle has 600 servings and it is the best substitute for sugar, honey, Agave, etc.
This is a notably high-quality product designed to give you superior taste and texture. The butterscotch flavoring is mellow, yet distinct, and perfect for adding to cakes, cookies, and a variety of baked goods when you want something great tasting, but decidedly healthier.
4: SweetLeaf Natural Stevia Sweetener Packets (2.5 Oz) | The Best Stevia Products In The Market!
This is best-tasting stevia and just one packet is as sweet as two teaspoons of sugar. So basically one packet is appropriate for one glass of liquid serving. This stevia is USDA organic and zero-calorie sweetener. It has zero-carbohydrate and Non-glycemic response and also has no aftertaste.
SweetLeaf is one of the most well-established names in all-natural stevia products, and their Natural Stevia Sweetener Packets are great to pack and take on the go wherever you are going. Throw a couple of these in your gym bag, purse, or backpack and youve got a great way to sweeten anything, anywhere, anytime, in a much healthier way. Each box contains 70 packets, so they will last you quite some time and it’s very much durable also costs.
A great product to purchase if you are currently following something like the keto diet, or if you suffer from diabetes or are hypoglycemic. Make sure to stir this powder well when mixing it into your food and drinks, especially cold and thicker substances. SweetLeaf stevia does not contain any erythritol (sugar alcohol) and is 100 percent pure.
5: Now Foods Stevia Organic Sweetener (2 Oz)
Foods Stevia Organic Sweetener liquid is 2 ounces of pure, unadulterated stevia. A serving size is just 4 small drops, and with 461 servings in each container, this is great value for your money. Now Foods Liquid stevia is certified organic, and great for vegans, hypoglycemic people, and those suffering from conditions that limit the amount of sugar they can consume. It’s better stevia as it is zero-calorie, low glycemic and certified organic sweetener. It contains pure stevia extract. It is very pure and best-tasting stevia as special measures have taken to preserve Stevias natural qualities.
If you are looking for a totally pure, organic stevia liquid sweetener with no aftertaste, then Now Foods is a great option. Now Foods has been making great-tasting organic products since 1968, so they know what they are doing. All of Now Foods products (including their organic stevia sweetener) are made in facilities in the United States and Canada, where products are rigorously tested for quality and purity.
Growing Stevia Plants
Growing stevia is easy in well-drained beds or large containers, and the leaves can be dried for winter use like any other herb. Stevia grows best in warm conditions similar to those preferred by basil. Plants grown in warm climates will grow to 24 inches tall and wide. Where summers are cool, expect stevia plants to grow up to 16 inches. Grow three to five plants for a years supply of dried stevia leaves
Stevia can be started from seed indoors in late winter, but its best to grow it from rooted cuttings. Germination of stevia seeds tends to be spotty, so keep seed-sown plants under bright lights until the weather warms in spring.
Shopping Criteria
Now lets go over some of the most important buying criteria when it comes to stevia. These are the main considerations to keep in mind when choosing the stevia sweetener and supplement that is right for you.
- Size of the container
- Ingredients
- Additives
- Side effects
- Price
- Expiration date
Size of the container
This is one of the first things you should consider when buying a stevia supplement. In order to do so, there are several factors you will have to weigh, such as your personal use and frequency of ingestion. Remember that it may have an expiration date depending on the form it comes in, so we strongly suggest you choose an amount you know you will be able to consume within the given period.
Ingredients
It is always essential to take the time to analyze the ingredient table of any supplement. The plant extract called steviol glycoside must be the key ingredient, and you should search for the highest possible percentage of this extract. Other natural ingredients such as water or vegetable glycerine are usually present in stevia supplements.
Additives
It is naturally very important to see on the ingredient table if the product contains any additives or chemical preservatives, such as potassium sorbate, maltodextrin or ethanol. These different components can have, amongst others, preservative or sweetening functions. Note that these are all chemicals, and the main goodness of stevia, which is to consume a natural product, will be lost.
Side effects
This natural sweetener does not have any known side effects if consumed within the doses recommended by experts. This is why it is considered to be absolutely safe for our health. The only potential problem comes from products containing additives or artificial ingredients, which could be harmful.
Price
There is no doubt that price is one of the top purchasing criteria. This is why you should carry out an extensive search to identify the most appropriate stevia supplement for you with the best quality/price ratio. This also includes researching brands that are both the most reliable and affordable. Stevia can be considered somewhat expensive, and this is due to the fact that it is considered a relatively new superfood. However, that doesnt mean you wont find a product that suits both your needs and your budget.
Expiration date
The last of these characteristics, but certainly not the least important, is the expiration date of your stevia sweetener. You dont really have to worry too much with granulated stevia because it has a considerably longer shelf-life than liquid stevia. For liquid stevias, you should always keep your product refrigerated after opening, and make sure to consume it prior to its expiration date (which is typically three months after opening).
Does stevia cause any side effects?
The FDA says steviol glycosides, such as Reb-A, are generally recognized as safe. They havent approved whole-leaf stevia or crude stevia extract for use in processed foods and beverages due to a lack of safety information.
Theres concern that raw stevia herb may harm your kidneys, reproductive system, and cardiovascular system. It may also drop blood pressure too low or interact with medications that lower blood sugar.
Although stevia is considered safe for people with diabetes, brands that contain dextrose or maltodextrin should be treated with caution.
Dextrose is glucose, and maltodextrin is a starch. These ingredients add small amounts of carbs and calories. Sugar alcohols may also slightly tip the carb count.
If you use stevia now and then, it may not be enough to impact your blood sugar. But if you use it throughout the day, the carbs add up.
A 2019 study reported a possible link between nonnutritive sweeteners, including stevia, and disruption in the beneficial intestinal flora. The same study also suggested nonnutritive sweeteners may induce glucose intolerance and metabolic disorders.
As with most nonnutritive sweeteners, a major downside is a taste. Stevia has a mild, licorice-like taste thats slightly bitter. Some people enjoy it, but its a turn-off for others.
In some people, stevia products made with sugar alcohols may cause digestive problems, such as bloating and diarrhea.
How to use stevia as a sugar substitute
Stevia may be used in place of table sugar in your favorite foods and beverages. A pinch of stevia powder is equal to about one teaspoon of table sugar.
Tasty ways to use stevia include:
- in coffee or tea
- in homemade lemonade
- sprinkled on hot or cold cereal
- in a smoothie
- sprinkled on unsweetened yogurt
Some stevia brands, such as Stevia in the Raw, can replace table sugar teaspoon for teaspoon (as in sweetened beverages and sauces), unless youre using it in baked goods.
You can bake with stevia, although it may give cakes and cookies a licorice aftertaste. Stevia in the Raw recommends replacing half the total amount of sugar in your recipe with their product.
Other brands arent made specifically for baking, so youll need to use less. You should add extra liquid or a bulking ingredient such as applesauce or mashed bananas to your recipe to make up for the lost sugar. It may take some trial and error to get the texture and level of sweetness you like.
How much does stevia cost?
The price of stevia will vary depending on the brand, the quantity of the product or the form in which it is presented. Other factors may also influence the price of this supplement, such as products sourced from organic farming.
In any case, the prices can vary between 6 and 25 dollars depending on the size of the package. This means that a bottle of liquid stevia of 3.38 ounces could cost on average 15 dollars.
What is the recommended dose of stevia?
According to the European Food Safety Authority, the maximum recommended daily dose of stevia is 4 mg of extract per 2.2 pounds of body weight of the person. Here is a more concrete example: an individual weighing 132 pounds can consume up to 2.5 ounces of stevia per day.
For practical purposes, lets assume that an adult can take between 4 and 5 tablespoons of stevia a day without any problem, which would be equivalent to about 2.5 ounces of sugar.
Summary
As you have discovered in our article, stevia is a supplement known for its many benefits for our health. This is the reason why it has become the most popular sweetener; every day, more and more people are replacing sugar with stevia.
The high consumption of sugary foods and drinks is the cause of the upward trend in obesity and other disorders related to our metabolism. This has led to the appearance of natural substitutes like stevia, offering the same taste without endangering our health.
We hope that you found what you were looking for. This is the article for those who are looking for the best Stevia products in the market.