Understanding the Stevia Plant and its Extracts
Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which is native to South America. The sweetness comes from chemical compounds called steviol glycosides, primarily rebaudioside A (Reb A). These compounds are naturally potent—up to 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar.
To become the granulated or liquid product found in stores, stevia undergoes a multi-step extraction and purification process. Dried stevia leaves are steeped in hot water, much like making tea. The resulting liquid extract is then filtered, purified, and dried to create a concentrated, high-purity stevia extract. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only these highly-purified steviol glycoside extracts for use as a food additive, not the whole leaf or crude extracts.
The Role of Fillers and Bulking Agents
Because pure stevia extract is so incredibly sweet, a tiny amount is all that's needed to achieve the desired sweetness. For this reason, many commercial stevia products and blends add bulking agents. These fillers serve a crucial purpose:
- Measuring: They allow the sweetener to be used in similar quantities to sugar, making it easier to measure for recipes.
- Volume: In baking, they provide the necessary bulk and structure that sugar would normally contribute.
- Taste Masking: Some less-pure stevia extracts can have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, and fillers can help mask this.
A Closer Look at Stevia in the Raw
Stevia in the Raw is a brand-name, plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener that combines purified stevia leaf extract with other ingredients. The specific bulking agent depends on the product format:
- Packets: The single-serving packets use dextrose, a corn-based carbohydrate, to help dilute the potency and make it easier to measure. Each packet provides the sweetness of about two teaspoons of sugar.
- Bakers Bag: The larger bag designed for baking contains maltodextrin, another corn-derived carbohydrate. This allows for a 1:1 cup-for-cup sweetness equivalence with sugar, though it still requires recipe adjustments for moisture and texture.
According to the manufacturer, Stevia in the Raw contains no added flavors or erythritol, a sugar alcohol that is found in some other stevia products.
The Key Comparison: Stevia vs. Stevia in the Raw
To clearly differentiate between a pure stevia extract and the branded blend, let's examine their core characteristics.
| Feature | Generic Stevia (High-Purity Extract) | Stevia in the Raw (Blended Product) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 95% or more pure steviol glycosides (e.g., Reb A) from the stevia leaf. | A blend of high-purity stevia extract and bulking agents like dextrose (packets) or maltodextrin (baking bags). |
| Sweetness | Highly concentrated, several hundred times sweeter than sugar. | Sweetened to measure similarly to sugar thanks to bulking agents. |
| Usage | Requires very small amounts; difficult to measure for larger recipes due to potency. | Formulated for easier, more direct substitution for sugar in recipes. |
| Taste | Can have a more pronounced bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, especially in larger quantities. | Bulking agents and purity can result in a more balanced, less pronounced aftertaste. |
| Baking | Challenging for baking, as it provides no bulk or structure. Requires additional liquid or ingredients like applesauce to compensate for lost volume. | Easier for baking, as the bulking agents provide structure, though you may still need to use half sugar to ensure proper texture and browning. |
| Calories | Effectively zero calories. | Considered zero-calorie by the FDA, even with a few calories from the bulking agents, due to small serving size. |
Implications for Your Diet
The choice between pure stevia extract and a blended product like Stevia in the Raw depends on your dietary needs and how you plan to use it. For those strictly avoiding all carbohydrates, pure liquid stevia extract is often the best choice, as it contains no added carbs from bulking agents like dextrose. However, for those looking for a simple, measurable substitute for sugar in beverages and baking without the high potency and need for complex conversions, a blend like Stevia in the Raw is more convenient.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Stevia for You
In conclusion, the fundamental difference between generic stevia and Stevia in the Raw is that the latter is a pre-blended product designed for ease of use, while the former can refer to either the pure extract or a variety of other blends. Stevia in the Raw combines highly-purified stevia extract with bulking agents such as dextrose or maltodextrin to provide a convenient, measurable sugar replacement. A pure stevia product, on the other hand, consists only of the concentrated extract, making it more potent and challenging for certain applications like baking, where bulk and volume are important. Ultimately, understanding the ingredients is key to making the best choice for your dietary goals and culinary needs. For further reading on stevia sweeteners, consult resources like the International Food Information Council (IFIC).
How to Choose the Right Stevia Sweetener
- Ingredient Check: Always check the ingredient list to see if you are buying a pure stevia extract or a blend with fillers like dextrose or maltodextrin.
- For Beverages: If using in coffee or tea, a pure liquid stevia extract or a simple blend like Stevia in the Raw packets will work well. The difference often comes down to taste preference and convenience.
- For Baking: For best results, use a baking blend like Stevia in the Raw's baking bag or follow a specific stevia baking recipe. You may need to add bulk with other ingredients.
- Health Considerations: If managing blood sugar is a primary concern, be aware that some bulking agents like dextrose can affect blood sugar levels, although the amount is typically very small.
- Taste Preference: Taste varies widely by person. Some find pure stevia to have a bitter aftertaste, while blends and highly refined extracts can have a smoother profile.
Stevia vs. Stevia in the Raw FAQ
What is the main difference between Stevia in the Raw and other stevia sweeteners?
Stevia in the Raw is a brand-name blend of high-purity stevia leaf extract and bulking agents like dextrose or maltodextrin, whereas other stevia products may use different fillers or contain only the pure, highly concentrated stevia extract.
Is Stevia in the Raw more 'natural' than other stevia products?
The term 'natural' can be misleading. Both Stevia in the Raw and other brands use a highly refined stevia leaf extract. The 'In The Raw' name refers to the family of sweeteners sold by the brand, not necessarily the processing method.
Can people with diabetes use Stevia in the Raw?
Yes, Stevia in the Raw can be suitable for individuals with diabetes, but they should be aware that the bulking agent in the packets (dextrose) is a carbohydrate. While the amount is typically considered dietetically zero, it's always wise for those monitoring blood sugar to consult a healthcare professional.
Why does Stevia in the Raw contain dextrose or maltodextrin?
These bulking agents are added to dilute the extremely potent stevia extract, making it possible to measure and use the product in a quantity similar to sugar. This also helps provide some volume for baking.
Which sweetener is better for baking, pure stevia or Stevia in the Raw?
Stevia in the Raw is generally easier for baking because its bulking agents provide the volume needed for proper texture. Pure stevia extract is so potent that it's difficult to use and requires adding other ingredients to make up for the lost bulk.
Do all stevia products have the same taste?
No. The taste of stevia products can vary depending on the purity of the stevia extract and the other ingredients used in the blend. Some may have a licorice-like or bitter aftertaste, while others are processed to minimize this.
Is it safe to consume stevia long-term?
High-purity stevia leaf extracts have been approved for use as sweeteners by major regulatory bodies, including the FDA, and are considered safe for long-term consumption in moderation.
Are there any side effects to using stevia or Stevia in the Raw?
Some individuals may experience digestive issues, such as gas or bloating, from the sugar alcohols or bulking agents used in some stevia blends. These are typically mild and vary by individual tolerance. Pure stevia extract is less likely to cause such effects.
