What is Erythritol and Why Is It in Stevia?
Erythritol is a type of sugar alcohol, or polyol, used to add bulk and texture to sugar substitutes. In its natural state, stevia extract is extremely potent and sweet, making it difficult to measure and use in cooking or beverages in the same way as sugar. Erythritol serves as a low-calorie bulking agent, allowing manufacturers to create a product that can be measured and poured more like regular sugar.
Unlike stevia, which is a plant-derived sweetener, erythritol is produced industrially by fermenting glucose with a yeast, such as Moniliella pollinis. While it is a sugar alcohol, most of it is absorbed by the small intestine and excreted in urine, meaning it has a minimal caloric value (often labeled as zero calories) and does not typically cause the digestive distress associated with some other sugar alcohols.
Does Great Value Stevia contain Erythritol?
Yes, many Great Value stevia products contain erythritol, though formulations can vary by product line (e.g., packets, liquid, granulated) and type (e.g., organic). For example, the Great Value No Calorie Stevia packets list erythritol as a primary ingredient, along with Reb A (stevia leaf extract) and natural flavors. Similarly, the Great Value Liquid No Calorie Stevia also includes water, erythritol, and stevia extract.
However, the ingredient list can differ. One formulation of Great Value granulated stevia, for instance, has been noted to contain dextrose and maltodextrin instead of erythritol. For this reason, checking the specific ingredient list on the product packaging is the only way to be certain about the contents of the particular sweetener you are purchasing. The widespread use of bulking agents in commercial stevia products is a key takeaway for anyone paying close attention to their dietary intake.
The Purpose of Blending Sweeteners
Stevia leaf extract is up to 200 times sweeter than table sugar, which can lead to measurement issues and a strong aftertaste in large quantities. Combining it with a bulking agent like erythritol or dextrose serves several purposes:
- Enhances Flavor: It can help to temper the intense aftertaste sometimes associated with pure stevia extract.
- Improves Volume: It mimics the texture and volume of sugar, making it easier for consumers to measure and use in drinks and recipes.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Blending allows companies to create a product that is more economically priced while still delivering zero-calorie sweetness.
Comparing Sweeteners: Great Value vs. Other Brands
It is beneficial to compare Great Value's offering with other popular stevia and sugar-alcohol blend products to understand your options. Reading labels is crucial, as the bulking agent and other ingredients can vary significantly.
| Feature | Great Value Stevia Packets | Stevia In The Raw Packets | NOW Foods BetterStevia | Truvia Original Calorie-Free Sweetener |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stevia Form | Reb A (stevia leaf extract) | Reb-A (stevia leaf extract) | Organic stevia extract powder | Stevia leaf extract (Reb A) |
| Bulking Agent | Erythritol | Dextrose | None, pure powder | Erythritol |
| Calories per Serving | Zero | Zero | Zero | Zero |
| Other Ingredients | Natural flavors | Maltodextrin (in Bakers Bag), Natural flavors | None | Natural flavors |
| Noteworthy | Common blend for zero-calorie bulk | Dextrose from corn provides bulk; Maltodextrin in Bakers Bag | Pure extract, no additives, requires careful measuring | Combines stevia with erythritol and natural flavors |
How to Read Product Labels for Clarity
When navigating the sweetener aisle, don't rely on the front-of-package marketing. Flip the product over and read the ingredients list. Look for the following:
- Order of Ingredients: Ingredients are listed by weight. If erythritol is listed first, it is the most abundant ingredient by weight, even if the primary flavor is stevia.
- Product Name Clues: Terms like "stevia blend" or "stevia with erythritol" are often clues that it's not pure stevia.
- Certifications: If you want to avoid additives entirely, look for products labeled as pure stevia extract, or check for specific certifications like "Organic" and "No Erythritol" as some brands now market products specifically without sugar alcohols.
Choosing the Right Sweetener for Your Nutritional Goals
Your choice of sweetener depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences. Consider the following:
- For pure stevia: Choose a product like NOW Foods BetterStevia if you want to avoid all bulking agents. Be aware that pure stevia is very concentrated and difficult to measure for bulk recipes.
- For easy substitution: Blended sweeteners like Great Value with erythritol are formulated for a one-to-one or similar sugar substitution, making them convenient for coffee, tea, and some baking.
- For avoiding sugar alcohols: If you experience gastric distress from sugar alcohols, or simply want to avoid them, read labels carefully. Options exist that use other bulking agents or are pure extracts.
- For baking: Granulated sweeteners often include bulking agents that behave similarly to sugar in recipes, which is different from liquid drops or packets.
Conclusion
Yes, many Great Value stevia products do contain erythritol, a sugar alcohol used as a bulking agent. This is a standard practice for many zero-calorie sweetener brands, as pure stevia is highly concentrated and challenging to use on its own. While erythritol is generally considered safe for consumption, it's vital for consumers to read product labels carefully. By understanding the ingredients and the purpose of bulking agents, you can make informed choices that align with your nutritional and dietary goals. Always remember to check the specific product's ingredient list, as formulations can vary even within the same brand.
Key takeaways
- Contains Erythritol: Many Great Value stevia products, including the packets and liquid, contain erythritol as a primary ingredient.
- Read the Label: Formulations can differ between product types, so always check the specific ingredient list on your package.
- Bulking Agent Function: Erythritol is used to add bulk and texture to the product, making it easier to measure and use like sugar.
- Purpose of Blends: Commercial stevia is often blended to improve flavor, increase volume, and make it more cost-effective for consumers.
- Check Alternatives: Some brands offer pure stevia extract with no bulking agents, catering to those who want to avoid sugar alcohols.
- Not All Stevia is Equal: Be mindful that "stevia" on a label often refers to a blend of stevia extract and other ingredients, not the pure plant extract.
FAQs
Question: Is Great Value organic stevia also a blend? Answer: Yes, the Great Value Organic No Calorie Sweetener Stevia is also a blend, with ingredients listed as organic erythritol and organic stevia extract (Reb A).
Question: Why is erythritol added to stevia? Answer: Erythritol is added as a bulking agent to make the product easier to measure and to provide a texture similar to sugar. It also helps to balance the potent sweetness and potential aftertaste of pure stevia extract.
Question: How can I tell if a stevia product contains erythritol? Answer: The most reliable way is to check the ingredients list on the product packaging. Erythritol will be listed by name, typically near the top of the list if it's a major component.
Question: Do all sugar substitutes contain sugar alcohols like erythritol? Answer: No, not all sugar substitutes contain sugar alcohols. Some use other bulking agents like dextrose or maltodextrin, while pure stevia extracts and some monk fruit products contain no bulking agents at all.
Question: Are there any side effects from consuming erythritol? Answer: Erythritol is generally well-tolerated by most people and is less likely to cause digestive issues than other sugar alcohols. However, some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal distress with large doses.
Question: What are the main ingredients in Great Value liquid stevia? Answer: According to Instacart, the ingredients for Great Value Liquid No Calorie Stevia include water, erythritol, stevia extract (sweetener), natural flavors, and preservatives.
Question: Why did my Great Value granulated stevia contain different ingredients than the packets? Answer: Different product lines from the same brand can have different formulations. While many Great Value products use erythritol, some granulated versions have been known to use dextrose with maltodextrin as bulking agents.
