Unpacking the Ingredients: Does Too Good Yogurt Contain Stevia?
When looking for a lower-sugar yogurt option, many consumers turn to brands like Too Good. A key question that often arises is whether these products contain artificial or natural non-sugar sweeteners, specifically if Too Good yogurt contains stevia. The simple and direct answer, confirmed by the brand's own information, is yes. Stevia extract is used in many of their flavored and Zero Sugar product lines to achieve their signature sweet taste while keeping sugar content low.
Stevia in Too Good's Yogurt Varieties
It's important to note that the exact ingredient list can vary slightly depending on the specific product line. Here's a breakdown of how different Too Good yogurts utilize sweeteners:
Too Good Zero Sugar Line As the name suggests, the Zero Sugar line is designed to contain no added sugar and a minimal amount of total sugar, which comes from the naturally occurring sugar in milk ( ). The sweetening agent for this line is primarily stevia extract, along with natural flavors.
Too Good Blended Yogurts Even in their standard blended varieties, like vanilla and cherry, stevia extract is listed among the ingredients. These products typically have slightly more total sugar than the Zero Sugar line, as they may also contain fruit purees, but the primary added sweetener is still stevia.
Too Good Fruit on the Bottom The fruit on the bottom flavors also rely on stevia extract in addition to fruit purees to create a balanced, sweet profile. For instance, the Strawberry Fruit on the Bottom flavor lists stevia extract in its ingredients.
Why Does Too Good Use Stevia?
The use of stevia is a strategic choice for Too Good for several reasons. Stevia is a zero-calorie, plant-derived sweetener that allows the company to produce a product that is appealing to those monitoring their sugar intake, such as individuals with diabetes, or those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. By using stevia and ultra-filtered milk, the company can deliver a sweet-tasting yogurt that is significantly lower in sugar than many other brands.
Comparing Sweeteners: Stevia vs. Sucralose
While both stevia and sucralose are non-nutritive sweeteners, they have key differences that influence their use in food products.
| Feature | Stevia Extract | Sucralose (e.g., Splenda) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural, from the stevia plant | Artificial, derived from sugar |
| Calories | Zero | Zero |
| Chemical Structure | Glycoside compounds | Chlorinated sugar molecule |
| Taste Profile | Can have a slightly bitter aftertaste for some | Clean, sugar-like taste |
| Regulatory Status | FDA-approved as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) | FDA-approved for general use |
Too Good's decision to use stevia aligns with its branding as a company focused on using natural ingredients and avoiding artificial sweeteners.
What About Plain Too Good Yogurt?
For those who wish to avoid all sweeteners, including stevia, Too Good also offers a Plain Greek Lowfat Yogurt. This variety contains only the naturally occurring sugars from the ultra-filtered milk and has no added sweeteners of any kind. This makes it an ideal base for adding your own choice of natural sweeteners, such as fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Conclusion: Checking the Label is Key
Yes, Too Good yogurt does contain stevia in most of its flavored and Zero Sugar products, as confirmed by the ingredient lists on the product packaging and the company's FAQ page. The use of stevia is central to the brand's low-sugar, high-protein positioning. For those who want to avoid all added sweeteners, the Plain variety is the best option. Always check the nutrition facts and ingredient list for the specific product you are purchasing to be certain.
A Deeper Look at Sweeteners
For more in-depth information on food additives and ingredients, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides detailed reports on various food products and their components. For example, their report on Too Good Vanilla Yogurt breaks down the ingredients and the reasoning behind their use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Too Good yogurt sweetened with stevia and nothing else?
No, many of the flavored varieties also contain fruit purees for flavor and color, which contribute a small amount of naturally occurring sugar, but stevia extract is the primary zero-calorie sweetener.
Does Too Good Zero Sugar yogurt contain stevia?
Yes, the ingredient list for Too Good Zero Sugar products, such as Madagascar Vanilla and Strawberry, explicitly lists stevia extract as a sweetening agent.
Does Too Good use artificial sweeteners?
No, according to the company's FAQ, they do not use artificial sweeteners in their products. Stevia is a plant-derived sweetener and is not considered artificial.
Can people with diabetes eat Too Good yogurt?
Due to its low sugar content achieved with stevia, Too Good can be a suitable option for people managing their blood sugar. However, consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended.
Does Too Good plain yogurt have stevia?
No, Too Good Plain Greek Lowfat Yogurt has no added sweeteners, including stevia. Its sugar content comes only from the natural sugars found in milk.
Why does some Too Good yogurt taste bitter?
Some individuals perceive a slight bitterness or aftertaste from stevia, which can affect the flavor profile of the yogurt. This is a common experience with many stevia-sweetened products.
How does Too Good yogurt have only 2g of sugar?
Too Good yogurt achieves its low sugar content by using a slow-straining process with ultra-filtered milk, which removes much of the naturally occurring lactose (milk sugar), and by sweetening with stevia extract.
