The stevia plant is a perennial shrub that is native to Paraguay. Used for years in South America, Asia and some European countries, stevia is valued for its natural sweetness. In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved stevia in the category of generally regarded as safe, or GRAS, ingredients. Stevia is now marketed in granulated, powdered and liquid varieties and can be purchased in most stores.
Truvia
Truvia-brand stevia sweetener is made from rebiana, an extract of the plant. Truvia also contains sugar alcohol erythritol, which adds bulk to the sweetener, and natural flavors. Diabetics can use Truvia as a sugar substitute, as stevia does not affect blood sugar levels. Truvia contains zero calories.
Pure Via
Marketed by the Whole Earth Sweetener Company, Pure Via consists primarily of the rebiana extract. The purified extract, commonly called Reb A, is then added to natural sweeteners erythritol and isomaltulose, as well as natural flavors. Pure Via also contains cellulose powder, which adds bulk to the sweetener and provides a sugar-like granulated texture.
Navitas Naturals Organic Stevia Powder
Navitas Naturals produces an organic stevia powder that consists of dried leaves of the plant. According to the Navitas website, the indigenous people of Paraguay used dried leaves of the plant as an ingredient to add to tea, drinks and culinary dishes. Because stevia is so sweet, they recommend using just a little bit of the powder, or diluting some of the powder in water if desired.
Stevia Extract in the Raw
Stevia in the Raw is also derived from the rebiana extract of the stevia plant, the sweetest part of the plant. Unlike Truvia, Stevia in the Raw does not contain erythritol. Sold in packets, it does contain the natural sugar dextrose. Naturally occurring sugar maltodextrin is also used in its bags of granulated sweetener. Both dextrose and maltodextrin are used to dilute the sweetness of the rebiana extract. Stevia in the Raw is certified kosher but not kosher for passover.
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