Sugar is out, Stevia is in… well, at least for the health-conscious crowd. For those who don’t know, Stevia is a plant-based sweetener extracted from the stevia plant which is native to South America. It’s a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option that is probably the most popular sugar substitute there is.
Millions opt to add Stevia in their beverages, recipes, and more rather than refined sugar due to its health advantages. Research shows that Stevia is a sustainable option and it’s a viable choice for contributing to the prevention of obesity. (1)
So today, we want to review the best Stevia products from top brands to help you choose one for all of your sweetening needs!
Best Stevia Products
Because there is an abundance of Stevia products on the market, some may find it overwhelming to decide on which to use. Well, we’re going to provide as much information on the subject that we can. This way, you can have a better idea of what Stevia is and which products are best for what you’re wanting to use them for.
Some Stevia options are sweeter than others, some taste a little different, certain products are more ideal for baking, and even the packaging and ease of use varies. Here are the best products out there…
- Pyure Organic Stevia Blend – Buy here Editor’s Choice
- Whole Earth Sweetener Co. Stevia Leaf – Buy here
- SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener – Buy here
- Natural Mate Stevia – Buy here
- Stevia In The Raw – Buy here
- Better Stevia Organic Liquid Sweetener – Buy here
- Truvia – Buy here
- Microingredients Superfoods Organic Stevia – Buy here
- ENzo Organic Stevia Powder – Buy here
- Purisure All-natural Stevia – Buy here
- SweetLeaf Sweetdrops – Buy here
- Pure Via Stevia – Buy here
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Editor’s Choice – Pyure Organic Stevia Blend
Pyure’s stevia blend product is a best-seller with an overwhelming majority of positive feedback to back it up. You can use it to replace sugar in anything you please. It’s an organic sweetener and well worth the buy!
Pyure Organic Stevia blend is an all-purpose product which means you can use it in your coffee, as a topping for fruits or anything else and/or bake tasty treats with it. It’s zero-calorie and sugar not to mention it’s a best-seller which means a lot of users opt for this top-notch option for all of their needs.
This specific product is 2x sweeter than sugar with the same type of consistency and texture plus there’s no bitterness.
Similar to the previous product listed, Erythitrol is used in addition to the Stevia leaf extract (Reb-A) and natural flavoring. Although, it’s made from organic ingredients.
Best use
All-purpose Stevia product can be used for baking, cooking, topping, sweetening beverages, and more.
Pros
- All-purpose
- Organic ingredients
- Non-GMO
- No bitterness
- Has conversion chart
Cons
- Erythritol may cause digestive discomfort and headaches
- Some people may not like the taste
Whole Earth Sweetener Co. Stevia Leaf and Monk Fruit
More than just a Stevia product, this natural sweetener from Whole Earth Co. also contains Monk Fruit extract which is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar. Monk fruit is grown in Southeast Asia and its history goes back to the 13th century when Buddhist Monks first used it (hence the name).
This sweetener also doesn’t contain calories or carbs and is deemed safe by the FDA.
Erythritol is also an ingredient used in this product which is a sugar alcohol made from corn. It contains a very small amount of calories compared to other sugar alcohols and it tastes very similar to sugar (70% sweetness of sugar).
Like Stevia and Monk Fruit, Erythritol is very safe to consume as shown in studies. However, because it’s a sugar alcohol, it can cause digestive discomfort in some people since we can’t digest it. So, it’s just absorbed in the bloodstream and excreted without being digested. (2)
Erythritol also doesn’t affect blood sugar/insulin, cholesterol, or other biomarkers. (3)
The formula also contains natural flavors.
Best use
Whole Earth Sweetener Co. Stevia and Monk Fruit packets are ideal in beverages and to sprinkle on food items. Although, you could probably use it just fine for cooking and baking.
Pros
- Natural sweetener blend
- Non-GMO verified
- Convenient packets and packaging
Cons
- May cause minor digestive discomfort
- Some may not like the taste of either or both sweeteners
- Comes in small packets (not ideal for all uses)
SweetLeaf Stevia Sweetener
If you’re looking for a mostly pure Stevia product then SweetLeaf is a great option.
Besides the main ingredient that is USDA certified organic SweetLeaf Stevia extract, the product also contains all-natural inulin soluble fiber which is beneficial for a healthy immune system and gut. It helps to restore good gut flora which is ideal for improving overall health.
The box says it’s the World’s Best Tasting Stevia however, it’s going to be a subjective thing. Silica is also an added ingredient as an anti-caking agent but in an insignificant amount to elicit any side effects.
Best use
SweetLeaf Stevia can be used for all purposes whether in teas, coffees, baking, etc.
Pros
- Multi-use
- All-natural ingredients
- Inulin fiber great for immune and gut health support
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Recent user complaints of quality control
- Some users may not like the taste
- Comes in small packets (not ideal for all uses)
Natural Mate Stevia
Another very good product, Natural Mate Stevia is an all-purpose product similar to a few we’ve already listed. It’s granulated like sugar and therefore can be used similarly.
Natural Mate Stevia claims to be the first product made by co-crystallization which combines erythritol and Stevia while in their liquid state. This apparently removes the bitterness and results in a cleaner tasting product with minimal aftertaste.
The product contains just Erythritol, Stevia extract, and natural flavors.
Best use
Natural Mate Stevia is an all-purpose sweetener.
Pros
- All-natural product
- Granulated to be used like sugar
- Co-crystallization reduces bitterness
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Erythritol may cause digestive discomfort and headaches
Stevia In The Raw
You’ve most likely heard of the brand, In The Raw, if you’ve ever used this sweetener or the original Sugar In The Raw, for anything. Stevia In The Raw is just one product in the lineup and it contains just two ingredients that include dextrose and Stevia Leaf extract.
Dextrose is a simple made from corn and is structurally similar to glucose. It’s often used medically to increase blood sugar quickly. Therefore, it can raise blood sugar pretty quickly. However, dextrose is often used in calorie-free sweeteners and isn’t typically a concern.
This product says that it is suitable for people with diabetes and that it is low glycemic. Therefore, the amount of dextrose is likely very small as it wouldn’t be a suitable sweetener for those with blood sugar issues otherwise.
But it’s best to use in moderation to be safe.
Best use
Stevia In The Raw is ideal for sweetening beverages and sprinkling on foods. Although, you can use it as a cooking and baking substitute for sugar.
Pros
- Multi-use Stevia product
- Diabetes-friendly
Cons
- Contains dextrose
- Complaints that packets don’t come in original packaging
NOW Foods Better Stevia Organic Liquid Sweetener
NOW is a legendary supplement brand that is a household name. They have a huge variety of products and probably anything you’d need to live a healthy lifestyle.
And unlike the other products on our list, their Better Stevia is a liquid Stevia product.
The ingredients include de-ionized water, certified organic Stevia Leaf extract, and organic cane alcohol which is more efficiently produced than grain-based alcohol.
It’s still a zero-calorie, zero-sugar sweetener and a lot of people love this product due to the taste, consistency, and minimal to no aftertaste. Plus, it’s low glycemic which means it’ll have less of an overall effect on blood sugar.
Best use
Most ideal for sweetening liquid beverages
Pros
- USDA organic
- Non-GMO
- Convenient squeeze bottle
- Conversion chart
Cons
- Some may not enjoy the taste
- Can raise blood sugar a little
- Squeeze bottle not always ideal
Truvia
Truvia is a brand name used for Stevia and it’s a common product in many homes. These packets are very convenient and the granules are very similar to sugar therefore you can use it as such.
One packet equals 2 tsp sugar and the box has a conversion chart to make measuring much easier. There are also sweet phrases on each packet which should make having your daily cup/s of coffee a little more enjoyable.
Best use
Truvia is ideal in beverages and for sprinkling on food items.
Pros
- Conveniently dosed in individual packets
- Fun phrases on each packet
- Non-GMO
- Diabetes-friendly
- Conversion chart
Cons
- Contains erythritol
- Some may not like the taste
Microingredients Superfoods Organic Stevia
The next Stevia product from Microingredients is just another high-quality, all-purpose sweetener that can be used for anything that you don’t want to use sugar for.
There are no additives, fillers, or preservatives contained in the product and it’s the only product on our list so far that contains only organic stevia without the extras. However, it may have a slightly bitter aftertaste as a result.
Best use
Microingredients Superfoods organic Stevia is an all-purpose product. You can add it to any food item or even bake with it.
Pros
- All-purpose use
- Non-GMO
- No fillers, additives, or preservatives
Cons
- May have a slightly bitter aftertaste
ENzo Organic Stevia Powder
ENzo contains only organic stevia although it does contain 80% Stevioside which is sweetener still extracted from the stevia plant. Although, it can have a bitterness and aftertaste. But Stevioside has shown to have health benefits due to having health-promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
This product is made for all-purpose use from cooking to adding to your favorite beverages to ramp up the sweetness to your liking.
ENzo Stevia has been featured on major television outlets and has a pretty good reputation.
Best use
Use it for anything!
Pros
- All-purpose
- USDA certified organic
- May have additional health benefits
- No additives or fillers
Cons
- Complaints of lacking in sweetness
- May have a bitterness and aftertaste
- Many don’t like the taste
Purisure All-natural Stevia
Purisure all-natural stevia contains pure, natural, certified stevia with 90% Steviosides. The company claims this is the best-tasting Stevia product on the market however, we’ll let you be the judge as this is a subjective thing.
But there’s no Maltodextrin, Erythritol, Natural Flavors, Vegetable Fiber, Fillers, Binders, or Artificial Ingredients of any kind added to this product. So you know it’s a quality sweetener that should present no issues.
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Although, you might get a slight bitterness and aftertaste due to the Steviosides, as mentioned previously.
Best use
Purisure is an all-purpose Stevia product.
Pros
- All-purpose
- All-natural ingredients
- No additives or fillers
Cons
- May have slight bitterness and aftertaste
SweetLeaf Sweetdrops
Another quality liquid Stevia product, SweetLeaf Sweetdrops is an all-natural sweetener that can be used for many things. It’s mixed with purified water for an optimal consistency, in addition to natural flavors, and quillaja extract.
The drops are a very convenient way to add sweetness to anything you want whether that be your teas, coffee, cookies, or anything else.
Best use
Sweetdrops are ideal for sweetening beverages although you can also use for cooking and baking.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Pure stevia extract in water
- Convenient drops
- Alcohol-free
- Non-GMO
Cons
- May cause aftertaste
Pure Via Stevia
To end our list of best Stevia products, Pure Via is a convenient option that provides ideally dosed packets for all your needs. It does contain dextrose which we talked about earlier although, the amount contained in the product should not be significant.
It’s also made from 99% Reb-A which comes from the sweetest part of the plant.
This all-natural, no-calorie sweetener should be a safe option for those with diabetes as listed on the product label.
Best use
To sweeten beverages and sprinkle on foods
Pros
- All-natural
- Convenient packets and packaging
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Contains dextrose
- Some may not like the taste
How We Ranked
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all Stevia product, we chose the products with the best track record from reputable brands.
Ingredients – Each product should contain a good amount of the active ingredient and very limited additional ingredients, if any, at all.
Manufacturing Standards – Ideally, products are manufactured with good practices and safely stored for optimal quality and effectiveness.
Side Effects – Products should only contain ingredients that are generally considered safe for most people with little chance of causing discomfort or other undesirable effects. However, sometimes certain ingredients may cause discomfort and that’s one reason why it’s good to know which ones you can or can’t use.
User feedback is also sometimes a good way to determine the overall quality of a product.
Who Should Buy Stevia Products?
Research has shown Stevia to be very safe with no effect on blood sugar. So, anyone looking for a great sugar substitute for health reasons should consider using a quality Stevia product.
However, because there are many different products, you’ll want to choose one based on the ingredients. For example, those who struggle with digestive issues should avoid the options that contain the sugar alcohol Erythritol. Some people even complain about getting headaches with this ingredient.
Others won’t have an issue with erythritol or even dextrose which is also added and they may prefer these ingredients added in over just a plain stevia product.
Trial and error may be useful for determining which products you can use.
How Do I Pick A Good Stevia Product For Me?
Budget is an important factor however there are plenty of great Stevia options at an affordable price. But you also have to consider what you’ll mostly be using it for. For example, an all-purpose Stevia product is ideal for sweetening beverages, sprinkling on foods, cooking, baking, etc.
These multi-use Stevia products are usually granulated and additionally processed to have a similar consistency to sugar and are contained in a large package or bottle.
Packets are usually more ideal for adding to coffees, drinks, and sprinkling on foods. This allows you to have portion control and it’s much easier to carry packets around for convenient use.
Also, consider whether or not you can consume ingredients such as erythritol and dextrose.
Benefits of Stevia
Besides being a very good natural sweetener that’s healthier than sugar, Stevia may have other benefits.
Ideal for Weight-loss
Because Stevia itself contains no calories or carbs, it’s an ideal sweetener when weight loss is the goal. Not to mention, you can use a decent amount of it and still not worry about gaining any weight. Although, your diet overall will determine your ability to lose weight effectively.
Good for blood sugar
Stevia hasn’t shown to raise blood sugar or insulin levels. Therefore, those who have high blood sugar can use Stevia without having to worry about it having an adverse effect. Hence the reason why many products note its safety for those with diabetes. (4)
And because many Stevia products can be used effectively as a sugar substitute, there’s no reason to not choose it instead of the more dangerous refined sugars.
Refined sugar is known to contribute to disease in the body including diabetes, heart disease, and it is associated with obesity.
According to the National Cancer Institute, Adult men take in an average of 24 teaspoons of added sugar per day which is 384 calories. Many food items that Americans consume in excessive amounts are laden with sugar and you can easily see why this could be a serious problem.
“Excess sugar’s impact on obesity and diabetes is well documented, but one area that may surprise many men is how their taste for sugar can have a serious impact on their heart health,” explained Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Sugar is metabolized in the liver like alcohol is which means it’s converted to fat. This can be a large reason why sugar contributes to diabetes and eventually heart disease.
May be beneficial for cancer
Scientific literature supports the potential benefits of stevioside for killing breast cancer cells. It has also shown to have potentially positive effects on other cancer cell lines including that of leukemia, lung, and stomach cancer. (5, 6)
Could lower blood pressure
Some research supports a potential beneficial effect on blood pressure. An intake of 750-1500 mg of stevioside daily may reduce systolic blood pressure (the upper number in a blood pressure reading) by 10-14 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by 6-14 mmHg. (7)
Ideally sweet
Not all Stevia products are created equal and depending on how each is produced, there are varying degrees of sweetness. According to research, Stevia ranges from 50-400 times sweeter than sugar. An easy way to find your ideal sweetness is to use a little and adjust accordingly.
Some products even give recommendations to ensure you use an amount similar to the sweetness of sugar.
Versatile
Versatility is a much-appreciated factor when it comes to many things. Well, Stevia is no different. If you’ve read through, you’ll already know that you can use it to replace sugar.
Does Stevia Have Side Effects?
Not typically. However, as mentioned, additional ingredients that are contained in many products can cause minor side effects. And most “Stevia” products aren’t solely Stevia. In fact, many are made from highly-refined Stevia Leaf extract called Reb-A.
This is a blend of sweeteners which often includes erythritol and dextrose. Erythritol can upset the digestive system and dextrose is known to spike blood sugar quickly as it’s similar to glucose. It really depends on the amount used in a product though.
And although a product may say that it’s diabetes-friendly, still use caution especially if you suffer from blood sugar issues.
Natural flavors are also often added to these sweeteners but these can include processed ingredients. Therefore, it may not imply completely natural flavors.
Also, one recent study found that Reb-A may reduce the abundance of health-promoting gut bacteria which contributes to overall health. (8)
Another thing to be careful of is the potential allergic reactions caused by Stevia. It comes from the same family as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other plants. Therefore, it could potentially cause undesirable effects in those allergic to these types of plants. (7)
Generally, though, it’s best to use these products in moderation to be on the safe side. But you also want to make sure to have good health habits overall to ensure you maintain a healthy gut.
Also, if you take medications, it’s best to ask your doctor is Stevia is safe to consume to avoid any interactions.
How Much Stevia Can I Safely Consume?
Studies have shown Stevia to be safe for consumption in over 200 studies and “in the United States, high-purity stevia leaf extracts are considered GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration)“. JECFA has established an ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) of steviol equivalents at 4 mg/kg of body weight per day. (1)
Most people will never exceed the safe and recommended quantity based on their body weight.
Is Stevia Better Than Artificial Sweeteners?
There’s no real evidence to suggest that this is the case. Many artificial sweeteners are deemed safe to use by the FDA just as Stevia is as well. Therefore, it typically comes down to preference. Although, artificial sweeteners can cause some digestive discomfort as opposed to plain Stevia.
Do All Stevia Products Contain The Same Amount?
No. Some products are simply stevia-based which means they use other ingredients that contribute more to the sweetness than does Stevia itself. These products are not made for those looking for a pure Stevia product as a result as they prioritize sweetness rather than providing a pure Stevia product.
Can I Use The Same Amount of Stevia to Replace Sugar?
Many products have a conversion chart on the rear label. If not, refer to online resources to determine how much of each product you should for the intended purpose.
If adding to a beverage or sprinkling on food items, this should be rather straightforward. You’re likely to never add too much. However, for baking and cooking, you’ll want to know the exact conversion rates to ensure optimal sweetness.
Is Stevia OK For Pregnant Women and Children?
Pregnant women and children should be fine using Stevia products in moderation. It can even be beneficial for the purpose of weight management and overall health due to the advantage Stevia has over refined sugars in this regard.
However, it’s always best to consult with a medical professional before using especially if pregnant or suffering from any health issues.
Wrapping Up
We know that you’ll enjoy these best Stevia products because each is a quality sugar alternative made by a reputable brand. It depends on your ideal use but the information provided should allow you to make the best choice possible.
None will break the bank and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve chosen a healthier option to sugar. Not to mention, you can add as much sweetness as you need.
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