Yes, Canadian-made stevia is readily available
Consumers who prioritize local production have several options. Multiple companies operate and manufacture in Canada, supporting the country's natural health market. While the stevia plant, Stevia rebaudiana, typically grows in warmer climates, Canadian companies import raw materials and perform the final processing, extraction, blending, and packaging. This maintains quality control and supports Canadian businesses. Health Canada's 2012 approval of stevia in food and beverages solidified its place in the Canadian market.
Notable Canadian stevia brands
Crave Stevia
Based in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Crave Stevia is a family-owned business specializing in organic, natural sweeteners. They offer a variety of liquid flavoured drops and powdered stevia products. Crave Stevia emphasizes a pure taste without the bitter aftertaste. They focus on high-quality, natural ingredients for health-conscious consumers.
New Roots Herbal
Located in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, New Roots Herbal manufactures a range of stevia products in-house. They source their ingredients globally but manufacture and process all products in Canada under Health Canada supervision. They offer a concentrated white powder and a spoonable stevia blend that combines stevia extract with inulin for a more sugar-like texture and reduced intensity.
Stevia Canada (JG Group)
As one of the original stevia companies in Canada, with over 25 years of experience, Stevia Canada has an extensive background in the industry. They offer many products, including Stevia Max Powder, a Spoonable Stevia blend, and numerous flavoured liquid stevia drops. Their expertise covers all aspects of the stevia trade, from seed to market.
Krisda
Krisda is another Canadian brand that markets stevia sweeteners and sugar-free baking products. The finished product is part of a Canadian company, but the raw stevia extract is sourced from regions where the plant naturally thrives, such as South and Central America. Krisda products are popular in Canadian retail.
Understanding 'Made in Canada' vs. 'Grown in Canada'
The difference between a product being 'made' in Canada and the ingredients being 'grown' in Canada is essential for the stevia industry. Because Stevia rebaudiana grows in warm climates, commercial-scale cultivation in Canada is not economically viable. Canadian companies import the plant leaves or raw extract from growing regions to process and package them domestically. This process is standard for many health food products.
Popular Canadian Stevia Product Forms
Canadian manufacturers offer stevia in several forms.
- Liquid Drops: Highly concentrated and available in numerous flavours, these are perfect for sweetening beverages without diluting the mixture.
- Powdered Extract: A pure, concentrated form of stevia. It is suitable for cooking and baking when used sparingly.
- Spoonable Blends: These are combined with bulking agents like inulin to provide a texture and measurement ratio closer to sugar. They are ideal for sprinkling on food or using in recipes.
- Packets: Convenient, single-serving packets are perfect for on-the-go use, ensuring a consistent dose for coffee or tea.
Comparison of Canadian Stevia Brands
| Feature | Crave Stevia | New Roots Herbal | Stevia Canada | Krisda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Location | Vancouver Island, BC | Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC | Canada (Est. 1999) | Canada |
| Sourcing | Globally sourced organic stevia extract | Globally sourced raw materials, in-house Canadian processing | Globally sourced stevia | Globally sourced stevia leaf extract |
| Product Focus | Organic, flavoured liquid drops & baking mixes | Concentrated powder & spoonable inulin blend | Bulk and retail powders, spoonable & flavoured liquids | Packets, bulk sweeteners, and baking products |
| Specialty | Wide range of unique liquid flavours | Pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing standards | Long-standing industry expertise, original Canadian company | Accessible grocery store brand |
Conclusion
While the stevia plant is not commercially grown in Canada, consumers can buy a stevia product made in Canada from several domestic manufacturers. Brands like Crave Stevia, New Roots Herbal, and Stevia Canada offer a range of products, including liquids, powders, and blends, all processed and packaged to Canadian standards. Whether baking, mixing a drink, or seeking a healthier sweetener, supporting these companies means finding a locally finished product. Explore the offerings from Crave Stevia and other companies by visiting their websites or major Canadian retailers like Healthy Planet.
Further research on specific brands or retail options can be found through resources like the Crave Stevia website.