How many stevia tablets equal 1 tablespoon of sugar?

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

According to sweetener manufacturer NOW Foods, one tablet of their BetterStevia brand is equivalent to the sweetness of one teaspoon of sugar. This means that how many stevia tablets equal 1 tablespoon depends on the specific brand, but a general guideline is crucial for accurate substitution.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive conversion for substituting sugar with stevia tablets. It explores brand variations, provides a general conversion chart, and offers best practices for use in drinks and recipes. Guidance on avoiding over-sweetening and managing different types of stevia is included.

Key Points

Check the Brand Label: The most accurate conversion for how many stevia tablets equal 1 tablespoon depends entirely on the specific brand's formula.
General Guideline is Three Tablets: Based on the common equivalence of 1 tablet to 1 teaspoon of sugar, three tablets typically substitute for one tablespoon.
Adjust for Personal Taste: Due to variations in stevia concentration and personal preference, always start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
Consider Bulk for Baking: When substituting stevia tablets for sugar in baking, remember to add a bulking agent like applesauce or yogurt to maintain proper texture.
Best for Beverages: Stevia tablets are highly effective and convenient for sweetening hot and cold drinks like coffee, tea, and smoothies.

Stevia Tablet Conversion: Understanding Brand Variations

When trying to determine how many stevia tablets equal 1 tablespoon of sugar, the first thing to understand is that there is no universal conversion. Stevia tablets are manufactured by various companies, and each brand formulates its tablets differently. Factors such as the purity of the stevia extract, the inclusion of fillers like lactose, and the concentration of the sweetening agent (steviol glycosides) all affect the sweetness level. This is why always checking the specific product label is the most accurate method for a precise conversion.

For example, some brands like Stevia-Group explicitly state that one tablet equals one teaspoon of sugar. Other brands may have different equivalencies. Relying on a single, unverified conversion without checking the product can lead to a dish or drink that is either under- or over-sweetened. The best practice is to start with the manufacturer's recommendation and adjust to your personal taste.

General Stevia Tablet Conversion Chart

For many common brands, a general rule of thumb exists. However, this is a starting point, and it's essential to taste as you go, especially when baking or cooking.


Sugar Amount	Approximate Stevia Tablets	Notes
1 teaspoon	1 tablet	A widely accepted conversion for most brands, ideal for beverages.
1 tablespoon	3 tablets	Based on the ratio of 3 teaspoons per tablespoon.
1/4 cup	6 tablets	A more practical guideline for small-batch recipes.
1/2 cup	12 tablets	A solid starting point for many standard recipes.
1 cup	24 tablets	Use this as a reference but taste and adjust for large-scale conversions.

Using Stevia Tablets in Recipes

Substituting sugar with stevia tablets requires more than just a direct conversion, especially in baking. Sugar provides more than just sweetness; it also adds bulk, moisture, and aids in browning and texture development. Simply replacing a large quantity of sugar with a few tiny tablets will lead to a very different result.

To ensure success when baking with stevia tablets:

Add Bulk: For every cup of sugar replaced, add about one-third of a cup of a bulking agent. Suitable options include applesauce, yogurt, pumpkin purée, or egg whites. This prevents your baked goods from falling flat and ensures a proper texture.
Monitor Baking Time: Stevia does not caramelize like sugar, so baked goods will not brown in the same way. Use visual cues and doneness tests, like the toothpick method, to check if your food is cooked through.
Consider Temperature: Stevia is heat-stable up to around 392°F (200°C), but its properties can break down at higher temperatures, altering the final taste. Some recipes might need a slightly adjusted oven temperature.

Practical Applications for Stevia Tablets

Stevia tablets are most straightforward for sweetening beverages and for adding to recipes where sugar's bulk and chemical properties are not critical. They dissolve easily in both hot and cold liquids, making them a convenient option for coffee, tea, and smoothies. The compact, portable dispensers are perfect for on-the-go use, allowing users to control their sweetness intake anywhere.

For cooking sauces or dressings, stevia tablets can also be effective. Start by crushing the tablets and dissolving them in a small amount of liquid before adding to the rest of the ingredients. This ensures even distribution of sweetness and prevents any grainy texture.

Stevia Tablets vs. Other Stevia Forms

Stevia is available in several forms, each with its own conversion rules and use cases. Understanding the differences is important for choosing the right product for your needs.

Stevia Packets: Often contain a blend of stevia and other ingredients like erythritol or dextrose to mimic sugar's bulk. Conversions typically vary, with some suggesting one packet equals two teaspoons of sugar.
Pure Powdered Stevia: This is the most concentrated form, requiring very small amounts. For instance, as little as 1/32 of a teaspoon of pure extract can equal one tablespoon of sugar. It is extremely potent and requires precise measurement.
Liquid Stevia Drops: These are also highly concentrated and ideal for drinks. The conversion is based on drops; for example, 6-9 drops might equal one tablespoon of sugar.

Conclusion

While a single answer to how many stevia tablets equal 1 tablespoon of sugar is elusive due to brand differences, a reliable starting point is three tablets. The key to successful substitution lies in verifying the manufacturer's specific conversion chart and being prepared to make slight adjustments to taste. For baking, remember to compensate for the lost bulk and consider the effect on texture and browning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate stevia tablets into your healthy cooking and beverage routines without sacrificing flavor. For further information on sugar substitutes, you can explore detailed resources from health organizations and food manufacturers like NOW Foods' equivalency chart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stevia tablet conversions vary because manufacturers use different concentrations of stevia extract (steviol glycosides) and may include different fillers or bulking agents, which alters the overall sweetness.

Yes, but you will need to add a bulking agent, such as applesauce or yogurt, to replace the volume lost by removing sugar. This helps ensure proper texture in your baked goods.

Stevia tablets do not caramelize or brown like sugar, so your baked goods will not achieve the same color. It is best to use other cues, like the toothpick test, to check for doneness.

No, there is no universal conversion. Always refer to the manufacturer's label on your specific product for the most accurate guidance.

A good starting point for most brands is one stevia tablet per teaspoon of sugar you would typically use. So, three tablets would be the equivalent of one tablespoon.

Pure stevia powder is significantly more potent than tablets. The conversion is very different, with a tiny amount of pure powder equaling a much larger volume of sugar.

To avoid a potential aftertaste, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more to reach your desired sweetness level. Over-sweetening with stevia is a common cause of aftertaste.