Stevia, a calorie-free sweetener, can be used in recipes as a substitute for sugar. Powdered stevia extract is 200 times sweeter than sugar, while whole powdered stevia leaf is weaker in sweetness. Food manufacturers use stevia extract in processed foods, often with a sugar alcohol to balance the taste. Health-conscious consumers use stevia as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Powdered stevia can come in its extracted or whole form and can be used in various recipes that call for sugar as a sweetening agent. Stevia is calorie-free and doesn’t raise blood sugar like regular sugar does, so it’s safe for diabetics to use in beverages or baked goods. Many times, stevia extract is used to sweeten recipes, as only a small amount is needed to match the sweetness of sugar. Whole powdered stevia leaf is weaker in sweetness, but can still be used in most recipes in a larger amount to match the amount of sugar required.
In the health food industry, white powdered stevia is often sold in its extracted form, so an individual may only use a small amount to sweeten drinks and foods. Steviosides are the sweet compounds in the stevia leaf, so extracting those compounds and making a powder is ideal for those who want a sweeter version of stevia. This powdered stevia extract is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar, and just 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of powdered stevia extract can equal the sweetness of 1 cup (225 mL) of sugar. Many health-conscious people substitute just half of the sugar called for in a stevia extract recipe while combining it with another natural sweetener, as stevia extract can leave a baked goods or beverage taste quite bitter if used alone.
The whole stevia leaf can be dried and powdered to create a more natural, whole form of powdered stevia. This form of stevia can also be used in recipes to add sweetness, however, a much larger amount should be used to equal the amount of sugar required. Usually about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of whole powdered stevia should be used to equal one cup (225 mL) of sugar, but this can be highly dependent on an individual’s taste preferences. Whole powdered stevia is best used in beverages such as tea, where the sweetness can infuse the water, creating a sweet tea.
Many times, food manufacturers use stevia extract in processed foods, because it creates a much sweeter taste at a lower cost. Due to the fact that stevia extract is much sweeter than sugar to the point of bitterness, a sugar alcohol is often added to help balance out the taste. Health-conscious consumers see stevia as a natural approach to artificial sweeteners, which go through a chemical process to produce. Balancing the taste of stevia with more natural sugars like honey or sugar alcohols like erythritol or xylitol, it’s also used by health-conscious people in homemade recipes.
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