We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Stevia

fitness_faeiry
fitness_faeiry Posts: 354 Member
edited February 7 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.
This discussion has been closed.