What is the ratio of better stevia to sugar?

December 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Pure Better Stevia is a highly concentrated sweetener; a tiny amount of the powder can equal a cup of sugar, highlighting its potent nature. This concentrated, zero-calorie sweetener requires accurate measurement. The exact ratio of Better Stevia to sugar changes depending on the Better Stevia form used, such as powder, packets, or liquid drops.

Quick Summary

Convert from sugar to Better Stevia effectively. The measurement equivalents for liquid drops, powders, and packets are all reviewed to allow this potent, natural sweetener to be used properly.

Key Points

Variable Ratio: The conversion from BetterStevia to sugar depends on the specific form—liquid, powder, or packets—used.
High Potency: BetterStevia is very sweet, requiring significantly less compared to sugar, necessitating careful measurement.
Baking Adaptations: When baking, you must add bulk and moisture to compensate for sugar's absence because stevia does not provide these properties.
Use Sparingly: To avoid the aftertaste, use a small amount of stevia and adjust to taste.
Cost-Effective and Healthy: BetterStevia is a zero-calorie, low-glycemic sugar alternative and is economical due to its potency.

Understanding BetterStevia Concentration

BetterStevia, particularly the pure extract, is significantly more concentrated than standard table sugar. Unlike sugar, which provides both sweetness and bulk, stevia is a high-intensity sweetener. This means substantially less is needed to achieve the same sweetness level. Accurate conversion is essential for both beverages and culinary applications. Failing to adjust correctly can lead to an overpoweringly sweet or bitter result.

BetterStevia Forms

BetterStevia is available in different formats, each with its own conversion ratio. These include:

Packets: Pre-measured for single servings, often used in coffee or tea.
Powder: A pure, concentrated extract, frequently requiring a tiny measuring scoop.
Instant Tabs: Small, dissolvable tablets, ideal for on-the-go use in beverages.
Glycerite: A liquid extract suspended in a glycerin base, which offers a slightly thicker texture.
Liquid Extract: A potent liquid that allows for drop-by-drop precision.

Because of these differing formulations, a single universal ratio does not exist. Refer to the specific equivalency chart for the chosen product to ensure accuracy. The NOW Foods official conversion chart is a reliable resource for their brand of BetterStevia.

BetterStevia Conversion Chart: Sugar Equivalents

For optimal results, use this chart as a guide for substituting BetterStevia in your recipes and drinks:


Sugar Amount	BetterStevia® Packets	BetterStevia® Powder	BetterStevia® Liquid Extract
1 tsp sugar	1 packet	½ - 1 scoop (~1/48 tsp)	3 drops
1 tbsp sugar	3 packets	2 - 3 scoops (~1/16 tsp)	9 drops
½ cup sugar	24 packets	16 - 24 scoops (~½ tsp)	72 drops (about 1 tsp)

Note: These are starting points. Individual taste preferences may vary, so always start with less and add more if needed.

Adjusting Recipes for Stevia

Substituting BetterStevia in beverages is as simple as adding drops or a packet. Baking presents a greater challenge. Sugar provides essential bulk and moisture, and helps with browning and caramelization—properties stevia lacks. When replacing sugar in baked goods, you must account for these missing components.

Tips for Baking with Stevia

Add Bulk: For every cup of sugar, you may need to add about ⅓ cup of liquid or a suitable filler, such as yogurt, applesauce, pumpkin puree, egg whites, or mashed bananas. This helps prevent baked goods from falling flat and ensures the right texture.
Control Moisture: Because stevia does not absorb moisture like sugar, it is crucial to find a balance. Recipes may need slight adjustments to the liquid ingredients to maintain the correct consistency.
Monitor Baking Time and Temperature: Stevia is heat-stable up to around 392°F (200°C), but it will not brown or caramelize like sugar. Use a toothpick test to check for doneness rather than relying on the color of your baked goods. Some people find success by adding a small amount of molasses or another sweetener to assist with browning.
Start Small: Stevia can have a lingering aftertaste if overused. It is best to start with a conservative amount and adjust upwards based on your palate. Experimentation is key to finding the perfect sweetness level.

The Economy and Health Benefits of BetterStevia

Switching to BetterStevia offers economic and health advantages. A single jar of the powder or a bottle of the liquid extract can last for months or even a year, making it a highly economical choice despite its higher initial cost. Health-wise, BetterStevia is calorie-free, low-glycemic, and does not raise blood sugar levels. It is an excellent option for those managing diabetes, on a keto diet, or aiming to reduce sugar intake. Unlike many artificial sweeteners, BetterStevia contains pure stevia extract and does not contain added fillers or unhealthy additives in its pure form.

Conclusion

Navigating sugar substitutes begins with understanding the product used. The key takeaway for 'What is the ratio of better stevia to sugar?' is there is no single answer. The ratio is highly dependent on the form of BetterStevia, which comes in packets, powder, liquid, and more. By following a reliable conversion chart and making baking adjustments, sugar can be successfully replaced with this natural, low-glycemic alternative. This allows sweet flavors without added calories or health concerns associated with high sugar consumption. A little bit of BetterStevia can go a very long way. Consult the manufacturer's official guidelines, such as those provided by NOW Foods for their BetterStevia products, for accurate conversion.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Better Stevia is a high-intensity sweetener and is not a 1:1 replacement. You need significantly less Better Stevia to achieve the same sweetness as sugar.

According to the manufacturer, approximately 3 drops of Better Stevia liquid extract are equivalent to the sweetness of one teaspoon of sugar.

Yes, but you need to make adjustments to your recipe. Because stevia does not provide bulk or caramelization like sugar, you may need to add fillers like applesauce or yogurt to ensure proper texture and volume.

While Better Stevia is specifically formulated to reduce the typical stevia aftertaste, overusing it can result in a lingering bitter or licorice-like flavor. Start with a small amount to avoid this.

For pure powder extract, it takes only 16 to 24 scoops, which is about ½ teaspoon, to equal the sweetness of half a cup of sugar. The amount for a full cup would be approximately 1 teaspoon, depending on brand and concentration.

Yes, Better Stevia is a natural, plant-derived sweetener. Unlike some artificial sweeteners, the pure form of Better Stevia contains only stevia leaf extract without added fillers or additives.

To avoid the aftertaste, use less stevia than you think you need and taste as you go. Many bakers find success by using a blend of stevia with other natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit to create a more balanced flavor profile.

References

1
BetterStevia® Sweetener Equivalency Chart - NOW Foods