How much stevia instead of sugar?

Sugar, oh sugar, we love you but we hate the calories. So what do we do when that sweet craving hits hard? No need to worry because there’s a new sheriff in town: Stevia! Have you heard about it yet? No? Well, then keep reading because this article is for you!

What is Stevia and why should I use it?

Stevia is a sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant native to South America. It’s natural, has zero calories and does not raise blood sugar levels making it ideal for people with diabetes or who want to maintain a healthy weight. Plus its sweetness level is higher than regular sugar meaning that less product can be used while retaining still retaining your desired level of sweetness.

So no matter if you’re on a diet or just trying to lead healthy lifestyle, replacing some or all of the added sugars in recipes may help reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor (for those kooky-tasting diets).

Where Can You Buy Stevia?

There are different types of stevia extract products available but they aren’t created equal, so make sure whatever brand selected includes 100% pure extract with no additives like dextrin preservatives.

The most common forms are:

  • Liquid
    • Concentrated liquids allow fewer drops per recipe.
  • Powder
    • Less concentrated but dissolves easily and can also provide bulking effects.
  • Packaged Blends
    • Combination options- powder and liquid mixes

Find these at various grocery stores throughout North America either within their ‘natural’ food area shelves as well as traditional baking aisles.

Cooking with Stevia

Cooking while using stevia products takes getting used due to each type being differently-scaled regarding amounts needed depending on how much items aiming towards sweeter taste preference will require different ratios.

To simplify, follow suggested guidelines on the product packaging if available or use these stevia sugar equivalent suggestions:

  • 1 teaspoon of Stevia extract powder=1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 18-24 drops of liquid Stevia = 1 cup sugar

It’s important to note that since some other sweeteners have acidic effects while stevia can leave a bitter aftertaste, this alternative sweetener either needs to be tested for compatibility in baked goods and less acidic recipe combinations.

When Should I NOT substitute Stevia?

Stevia is not an equal undifferentiated replacement as it cannot provide volume/proportions along with coloration within food preparation. This means when baking items such as cakes, cookies breads or pies; replacing all sugars aren’t recommended because it will affect both texture and taste too drastically.’

A better option would be utilizing recipes made specifically for using stevias’ uniqueness such-as looking up recipes intentionally formulated with this specific ingredient substitution -there are many online!

Cost Concerns Of Using Stevia

Like most goods, prices vary due to location sold and quantity bought throughout stores. However, general research shows the cost of stevia per serving isn’t much different than traditional filling counterparts providing seven times its financial value over regular baking ingredients.

For example: Splenda-based products range between $0.12-$0.30 at Walmart yielded decent life cycles compared across similar artificial alternatives like saccharin or aspartame based products; however something appealing about choosing a natural-sourced option versus synthetically-made ones outweighing costs for people concerning chemical intake/exposure fears beyond only conversation leading toward waistlines alone.

In short, great news there’s no need sacrificing enjoyment in delicious sweetened dishes anymore so long time lovers of traditional sweets stay hold onto their aprons The proper balance between naturally sourced confectioner delights prepared with stevia and your old favourites can be achieved by reducing up to 1/3rd of the sugar or less within a recipe.

Remember always follow recommended guidance when implementing into non-tested combinations and feel empowered that you’re making better tasting food choices!

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