Stevia

fitness_faeiry
fitness_faeiry Posts: 354 Member
in Food and Nutrition
What are people's opinions on Stevia? I have read some negative information regarding the side effects, but it would seem that hasn't been enough research done to find out the long term effects of using this as a sugar substitute. Anyone had any negative effects from it? On it's own what does it taste like?

Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    On it's own what does it taste like?

    I've used a liquid extract form, tastes a bit odd but not unpleasant. It's sweet obviously.
  • gmthisfeller
    gmthisfeller Posts: 779 Member
    What are people's opinions on Stevia? I have read some negative information regarding the side effects, but it would seem that hasn't been enough research done to find out the long term effects of using this as a sugar substitute. Anyone had any negative effects from it? On it's own what does it taste like?

    I actively use stevia --Truvia actually. There have been no long-term studies done on this leaf extract, but there have been some small short term studies that may point to encouraging people taking meds for diabetes to not use stevia; but this has not been confirmed by any large scale study.

    I like truvia because it is sugar like in consistency: small, crystalline and white. It can be used in cooking, though I never use it that way. I use it in coffee sometimes, and always on cereal if I have that for "brekkers".

    Charles
  • crlyxx
    crlyxx Posts: 186 Member
    As far as I know, the liquid version tastes a bit…odd. But in powder form, it actually tastes pretty good. Definitely better than Splenda, which I believe has an awful aftertaste. It's good enough in powder form to even be on its own. Sometimes I like sprinkling it over my pancakes.
  • ktsimons
    ktsimons Posts: 294 Member
    I use the liquid and the crystals - I am bothered by many artificial sweetners - massive headaches from Nutrisweet & Sweet & low, massive digestion issues from Splenda. I use Truvia once or twice a day and have found no side effects after about a year of using it. I think the crystals are the better choice and as soon as the liquid is used up, I will most likely not buy it again....
  • Urban_Princess
    Urban_Princess Posts: 219 Member
    I tried Truvia. I can taste the artificial-ness (if i can say that) right away because it isn't pure stevia. I used 1/8 teaspoon in a stiryfry last night and I could taste right away that something was wrong. I would only use it for baking where the taste is hidden by everything else.

    I was thinking about trying the In The Raw brand. Does anyone have any opinions on that? Again, it isn't pure stevia.

    I used agave syrup once and I liked it a lot. It was easy to add into baking, add to cereal, sweetened tea, etc, though I didn't try stirfrys or anything like that.
  • gajones02
    gajones02 Posts: 34 Member
    I was thinking about trying the In The Raw brand. Does anyone have any opinions on that? Again, it isn't pure stevia.

    I use the packets. One = 2tsp sugar.

    You're right it isn't pure it has a form of sugar in it (Dextrose).

    One packet gets me through three cups of coffee and I use just a bit less than a whole packet in a glass of iced tea.

    It dissolves in cold liquids fast and easy. And I don't find the taste offensive at all.

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