Stevia: The natural alternative to sugar

Stevia has become a popular substitute for sugar in recent years. The natural sweetener comes from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana), which originally comes from South America. Known for its intense sweetness and lack of calories, stevia offers an attractive alternative for people who want to reduce sugar - be it for health reasons or to support a more conscious diet.

In this article, we take a closer look at Stevia: What exactly is it, how is it made, and what advantages does it offer over traditional sugar?

What is Stevia?

Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the leaves of the stevia plant. The plant itself has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of South America to sweeten food and drinks. What is special about stevia is its sweetening power : steviol glycosides - the compounds responsible for the sweetness - are up to 300 times sweeter than conventional sugar.

Despite this intense sweetness, stevia contains no calories , making it an interesting option for people who want to reduce sugar without giving up sweetness.

How is Stevia made?

To use stevia as a sweetener, the steviol glycosides are extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. This process involves several steps:

Harvesting : The stevia leaves are harvested, dried and processed into a powder.

Extraction : The powder is treated with water to extract the steviol glycosides.

Purification : The extracted compounds are purified to obtain a clear and pure form of stevia that is suitable for consumption.

After extraction and purification, a concentrated sweetener is created that is available in many forms – powder, liquid or tablet.

Stevia vs. Sugar: What are the Benefits?

Stevia has a number of advantages over traditional sugar that make it an attractive substitute for many people:

calorie-free

Unlike sugar, stevia contains no calories . This makes it ideal for anyone who wants to save calories or reduce their body weight. Many diets that aim for a low-calorie diet rely on stevia as an alternative to sugar.

No effect on blood sugar levels

Another advantage of stevia is that it does not affect blood sugar levels . Unlike sugar, which causes blood sugar levels to rise quickly, stevia is metabolized differently by the body. This makes it particularly suitable for people with diabetes or those who want to keep their blood sugar levels stable.

Protects the teeth

Compared to sugar, stevia does not contribute to the formation of tooth decay. Since stevia is not broken down by the bacteria in the mouth, the risk of tooth damage is minimal. For this reason, stevia is often used in toothpaste and mouthwashes.

Natural origin

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener and is extracted from the leaves of a plant, making it a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners.

What does Stevia taste like?

The taste of stevia is slightly different from that of regular sugar. Many people describe it as slightly bitter or licorice- like. The bitter aftertaste is most noticeable at high concentrations, which is why stevia is often used in combination with other sweeteners. In smaller amounts, the bitter taste is less noticeable.

Stevia in use

Stevia is very versatile and can be used in different forms:

• Powder form : Stevia powder can be used similarly to sugar to sweeten drinks, desserts or yogurt. Since it is much sweeter than sugar, only a small amount is needed.

• Liquid form : Liquid stevia is ideal for sweetening drinks such as coffee or tea and is easy to dose.

• Tablet form : Stevia in tablet form is ideal for on the go, e.g. to sweeten coffee in the office or on the go.

Since stevia is heat-resistant , it can also be used for baking . However, it should be noted that it is significantly sweeter than sugar. Therefore, recipes are often specifically adapted to the use of stevia to ensure a balanced taste experience.

Is Stevia safe?

Yes, stevia is considered safe. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international health organizations have classified stevia as safe for human consumption. The recommended maximum daily amount of steviol glycosides is 4 mg per kilogram of body weight .

Stevia has been used in various countries for years without causing serious health concerns, but it is important to stick to the maximum recommended amount.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stevia (FAQ)

Is Stevia really calorie-free?

Yes, stevia contains no calories, making it a good choice for anyone looking to cut calories or control their body weight.

Is Stevia safe for diabetics?

Yes, stevia does not affect blood sugar levels and can be safely used by people with diabetes.

Can I use stevia for baking?

Yes, stevia is heat stable and can be used for baking. However, you should adjust the amounts as stevia is much sweeter than sugar.

Does Stevia have side effects?

In normal amounts, stevia is considered safe and free of side effects. However, it is advisable not to exceed the recommended maximum amount.

Why does Stevia sometimes taste bitter?

In high concentrations, stevia can have a slightly bitter aftertaste. Many manufacturers therefore mix stevia with other sweeteners to balance out the taste.

Conclusion: Stevia as a sugar substitute

Stevia is a natural and calorie-free alternative to sugar, which is particularly suitable for people who want to reduce their sugar consumption. It offers many health benefits and is versatile in the kitchen - whether in drinks, desserts or baking. Although the taste of stevia can be different than sugar, it is a great way to enjoy sweetness without adding calories or sugar to your diet.