How much stevia equals a cup of sugar?

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

The stevia plant's sweet compounds are up to 400 times sweeter than sugar, which is why it's a powerful zero-calorie sweetener. Here's a breakdown of how much stevia equals a cup of sugar across its various forms for baking and beverages.

Quick Summary

This guide explains the complex conversion of stevia to sugar. Learn the correct ratios for powdered and liquid stevia, as well as the important adjustments needed for successful baking.

Key Points

Conversion Varies by Product: The amount of stevia needed for a cup of sugar depends heavily on whether you are using pure extract powder, liquid drops, or a 1:1 blend.
Start Small with Pure Stevia: Due to its intense sweetness, pure stevia extract powder and liquid require much smaller amounts—approximately 1 teaspoon per cup of sugar.
Use Blends for Baking: Commercial 1:1 stevia blends contain bulking agents like erythritol and are the easiest replacement for sugar in baking.
Compensate for Lost Bulk: When baking with pure stevia, add ingredients like applesauce or yogurt to replace the volume that sugar would normally provide.
Adjust for Lack of Browning: Stevia does not caramelize, so baked goods will not brown. Use a toothpick test to check for doneness.
Zero Calorie and Glycemic Impact: Unlike sugar, pure stevia has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for diabetics and dieters.

The Complexity of Stevia Conversion

Unlike traditional granulated sugar, stevia is not a single product. It is available in various forms, such as pure extract powder, liquid concentrate, and 1:1 baking blends. Each of these forms has a different level of sweetness, making a single, universal conversion ratio impossible. Additionally, the flavor profile and potency can vary between brands, so always check the product's label for the manufacturer's specific recommendations. For example, one brand might have a highly concentrated powder, while another might offer a less intense blend with added fillers.

Stevia Conversion Ratios

Converting Pure Stevia Extract Powder

For pure, highly concentrated stevia extract powder, you will use a significantly smaller amount than sugar. The ratio can be as low as 1 teaspoon of pure extract for every cup of sugar, but some users recommend slightly more for flavor. Due to its high potency, it is often recommended to start with a minimal amount and add more gradually to avoid an overpowering or bitter aftertaste.

Converting Liquid Stevia Drops

Liquid stevia concentrate is another highly potent option. As with the powder, a little goes a long way. The general conversion is also about 1 teaspoon of liquid stevia to replace 1 cup of sugar, though this can vary. Liquid drops are particularly convenient for sweetening beverages like coffee, tea, and smoothies.

Understanding Stevia Blends

Many commercial stevia products, such as those sold in 'baker's bags,' are actually blends. These are combined with other bulking agents like erythritol or maltodextrin to make a 1:1 sugar replacement. The blending provides the bulk needed for recipes and makes measuring easier. If using a 1:1 blend, the conversion is simple: one cup of the blend for one cup of sugar.

Stevia to Sugar Conversion Table


Sugar Amount	Equivalent Pure Stevia Powdered Extract	Equivalent Liquid Stevia Concentrate
1 cup	1 teaspoon	1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon	¼ teaspoon	6-9 drops
1 teaspoon	A pinch to 1/16 teaspoon	2-4 drops

*Note: This is a general guide. For best results, consult the specific brand's conversion chart, as potency can vary.

Essential Tips for Baking with Stevia

Baking with stevia requires careful attention because sugar does more than just sweeten. It provides bulk, moisture, browning, and texture. Replacing sugar with a much smaller quantity of pure stevia will require some creative adjustments.

Lists of Baking Adjustments:

Replace Bulk: To make up for the lost volume, incorporate bulking agents like applesauce, yogurt, pureed fruits, or egg whites. Use about 1/3 cup of bulk ingredient for every cup of sugar you replace.
Consider Texture: Stevia doesn't provide the same texture as sugar. If a recipe depends on sugar's crystalline or chewy texture, a stevia blend might be a better option, or you can mix stevia with erythritol.
No Browning: Stevia does not caramelize like sugar, so your baked goods will not brown in the same way. You'll need to rely on visual cues for doneness rather than color. A toothpick test is highly recommended.
Temperature Stability: While stevia is generally heat-stable up to 392°F (200°C), it's important not to exceed the recommended oven temperature to avoid a negative impact on the final product.

How Stevia Compares to Sugar

Stevia is often chosen for its health benefits, particularly for individuals managing blood sugar levels or weight. While stevia has zero calories and a glycemic index of 0, table sugar is a significant source of calories and causes a rapid rise in blood sugar. Some people notice a slight aftertaste with certain types of stevia, which can be mitigated by using high-purity extracts or blends. For those looking to reduce added sugar consumption, stevia is a versatile and effective alternative.

Conclusion

While there is no single answer to how much stevia equals a cup of sugar, the general rule is that you will use significantly less pure stevia, roughly 1 teaspoon of pure powder or liquid for every cup of sugar. For simpler measurement in baking, a 1:1 stevia blend is often the most convenient option, as it replaces sugar cup-for-cup. Remember to account for the lost bulk and browning when baking with concentrated stevia. By paying attention to the specific type of stevia you are using and adjusting your recipes accordingly, you can successfully reduce your sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness.

For more detailed information on stevia's effects on the body, consult reliable resources. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) has comprehensive information on stevia and other low-calorie sweeteners.

Stevia Applications

Beverages: Use liquid stevia drops to sweeten hot coffee, tea, and cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea. The liquid form dissolves easily and disperses evenly.
Desserts and Sauces: Stevia can be used in puddings, mousses, and sauces. For sauces and marinades, it can add a touch of sweetness without extra calories.
Dressings: A sprinkle of stevia powder can be added to salad dressings to balance the acidity.
Cereals and Oatmeal: Sprinkling stevia powder on oatmeal or cold cereal is a great way to sweeten it without using sugar.

Stevia vs. Sugar: A Comparison Table


Feature	Stevia (Pure Extract)	Table Sugar (Sucrose)
Calories	Zero	~15 calories per teaspoon
Glycemic Index (GI)	0	65
Sweetness	200–400 times sweeter than sugar	Standard benchmark (1x)
Baking Properties	Does not provide bulk, moisture, or brown	Adds volume, moisture, and aids browning
Effect on Blood Sugar	Does not impact blood glucose or insulin	Causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels
Common Forms	Pure powder, liquid drops, 1:1 blends	Granulated, powdered, brown
Potential Aftertaste	Can have a bitter, licorice-like taste for some	Not applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

For a pure, concentrated liquid stevia extract, you will typically use about 1 teaspoon of liquid stevia for every cup of sugar. However, it's best to check the specific brand's label, as potency can vary, and to add gradually to taste.

Only if you are using a commercial stevia blend specifically formulated as a 1:1 replacement. These products contain bulking agents that mimic sugar's volume. For pure stevia extract, the ratio is much smaller.

Baked goods may fall flat because pure stevia is used in such small amounts that it does not provide the necessary bulk and structure. You must add other bulking agents like yogurt, applesauce, or pureed fruit to compensate for the lost volume.

Some people report a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, particularly with less refined stevia products. High-purity stevia extracts (especially those with a higher concentration of Rebaudioside A) and stevia blends are designed to minimize this aftertaste.

Yes, stevia is stable at high temperatures, typically up to around 392°F (200°C), making it suitable for baking. However, it will not caramelize or brown like sugar, so you should monitor for doneness with a toothpick.

High-purity stevia sweeteners are generally recognized as safe for individuals with diabetes. It has a glycemic index of zero and does not raise blood glucose levels.

For hot or cold beverages, liquid stevia drops are often the most convenient. A few drops are typically enough to replace a teaspoon or two of sugar. You can also use powdered stevia.