Stevia

What stevia is

Stevia is a sweetener extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The compounds that make it sweet (steviol glycosides) are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar but carry no calories, and the body doesn't use them for energy the way it uses sugar. You'll see it two ways: whole-leaf stevia powder, which is the ground green leaf, and extracts, which concentrate just the sweet compounds into a white powder or liquid.

Forms: drops, powder, packets, and tabs

Liquid drops are the most concentrated — a drop or two sweetens a cup — and come plain or flavoured; see the full liquid stevia range. Powders and spoonable blends measure more like sugar, which suits baking; browse stevia powder for those. Single-serve packets are made for coffee on the go, and dissolvable tabs drop straight into a drink.

The aftertaste question

Stevia can have a liquorice-like or slightly bitter aftertaste that some people notice and others don't. Many products are now formulated or blended — sometimes with inulin (a plant fibre) or erythritol — to soften it, which is why so many labels say "no bitter aftertaste." If you're new to stevia, trying a small format first is a sensible way to find one you like before committing to a big bottle.

Baking and cooking with stevia

Because it's so much sweeter than sugar, you use tiny amounts — a pinch of pure extract where you'd use a spoon of sugar. Spoonable blends are built to measure more like sugar if you'd rather not do the math. Stevia is heat-stable, so it holds up in baking, but it won't brown, bulk, or caramelize the way sugar does, so baked recipes designed for it work best.

Stevia in Canada

Stevia is sold across Canada and ships from our Ontario warehouse, with organic and non-GMO options available. It's one of several sugar substitutes and sweeteners we carry. As with any change to your diet, anyone managing a health condition or who is pregnant can check with their healthcare provider.