Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the South American Stevia rebaudiana plant. Its sweet compounds, known as steviol glycosides, are extracted from the leaves of the plant and used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products.
- Stevia has been used for centuries in South America as a sweetener and medicinal herb.
- In the 1970s, Japanese companies began using stevia as a sweetener in food and beverage products.
- Its use was approved in Japan in 1995 and in the US in 2008 as a dietary supplement and later as a food additive.
- Today, stevia is used in a variety of products such as soda, yogurt, and baked goods.
Splenda is a brand name for sucralose, which is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener made from sugar.
Equal is a brand name for aspartame, which is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener made from amino acids.
Truvia is a brand of stevia-based sweeteners that uses a combination of stevia leaf extract and erythritol, a sugar alcohol.
Stevia Drops are a liquid form of natural sweetener that can be added to beverages, oatmeal, and baked goods.
Stevia Packets are a powdered form of natural sweetener that can be used to sweeten coffee, tea, and other drinks.
Stevia Baking Blend is a combination of stevia and sugar that can be used in baking recipes to reduce the amount of sugar needed while maintaining the sweet taste.
Yes, stevia is generally considered safe when used in moderation. It has been approved as a food additive by various regulatory agencies, including the FDA.
Stevia is calorie-free, so it can be a helpful tool for weight loss. However, it's important to remember that consuming excessive amounts of any sweetener, including stevia, can lead to weight gain.
Yes, stevia can be used in baking, but it's important to remember that it's much sweeter than sugar. Recipes may need to be adjusted accordingly to achieve the desired sweetness and texture.
Stevia has a slightly different taste than sugar, but many people find it to be a good substitute. Some products also use a combination of stevia and sugar to achieve a taste more similar to traditional sweeteners.
Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener that can be a good alternative to sugar for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or manage blood sugar levels. It may also have some potential health benefits, such as improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation.