Which is healthier, Stevia In The Raw or Truvia?

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies have raised concerns about certain bulk ingredients in zero-calorie sweeteners. The question of which is healthier, Stevia In The Raw or Truvia, is not as simple as it seems, as both are complex blends of ingredients with differing health implications.

Quick Summary

This article provides a detailed comparison of Stevia In The Raw and Truvia, exploring their ingredients, health considerations, taste, and use cases. It clarifies the distinctions between the plant-derived stevia extract and the final branded products, highlighting potential health impacts to inform your choice.

Key Points

Different Ingredients: Stevia In The Raw uses dextrose (a sugar), while Truvia primarily uses erythritol (a sugar alcohol) as a bulking agent alongside stevia extract.
Erythritol and Heart Health: Recent research has linked high blood levels of erythritol, the main ingredient in Truvia, with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Digestive Effects: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating and gas, from the erythritol in Truvia, especially in high doses.
Weight Management: Both sweeteners can aid in weight loss by replacing calories from sugar, but moderation is still key.
Baking Considerations: Truvia's erythritol content makes it a more reliable cup-for-cup sugar replacement for baking, providing better bulk and texture than Stevia In The Raw.
Read the Label: The 'stevia' on the front of the box is not the whole story. Checking the full ingredient list is crucial for understanding what you are consuming.
Individual Needs Matter: The healthiest option depends on your personal health profile, dietary goals, and risk tolerance, especially concerning recent cardiovascular findings.

Understanding the Ingredients: It’s Not Just Stevia

Many consumers believe they are choosing between 'stevia' and 'truvia' when, in fact, they are comparing two different formulations that contain stevia leaf extract. The core difference lies in the other ingredients, known as bulking agents, used in each product.

Stevia In The Raw: The Dextrose Blend

Stevia In The Raw packets contain dextrose and stevia leaf extract. Dextrose, a simple sugar (glucose), is added to provide bulk and a 1:1 sugar replacement ratio. Because dextrose is a form of glucose, it does add a small amount of carbohydrates, which can be a consideration for those with strict dietary restrictions, such as managing diabetes. The use of dextrose ensures the product measures more like sugar, making it easier for use in beverages and cooking.

Truvia: The Erythritol Blend

Truvia's calorie-free packets and jars are primarily a blend of erythritol, stevia leaf extract (specifically Rebaudioside A), and natural flavors. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that serves as the bulking agent, providing a sugar-like appearance and texture. The body poorly metabolizes erythritol, so it does not spike blood sugar or insulin levels. However, recent research has linked erythritol to potential cardiovascular risks, especially for individuals already at risk.

Healthier Choices: Weighing the Evidence

When assessing which is healthier, it is crucial to look beyond the 'natural' branding and consider the latest research on the specific ingredients. While both are zero-calorie from a nutritional labeling perspective, their long-term health profiles may differ.

Recent Concerns with Erythritol

A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine brought significant attention to erythritol. The research indicated that individuals with higher blood levels of erythritol had an increased risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. The study found that erythritol enhanced platelet reactivity and thrombosis potential, meaning it could promote blood clots. While more research is needed, this finding raises a serious red flag, especially for those with existing cardiac risk factors. It is important to note that this effect was seen with high doses, but regular consumption of products containing erythritol could lead to elevated blood levels.

Considerations with Stevia In The Raw's Dextrose

Since Stevia In The Raw uses dextrose, a simple sugar, as a filler, it does contain a small amount of carbohydrates per serving. For most people, this minimal amount is insignificant. However, for those managing diabetes or following a strict ketogenic diet, the cumulative effect of using many packets throughout the day could be a factor. Dextrose does not carry the same cardiovascular risks as erythritol, but it also lacks the gut-friendly, non-absorptive properties of erythritol.

Impact on Gut Health

Stevia, when consumed in moderation, generally does not cause significant digestive upset. However, some sugar alcohols like erythritol can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in sensitive individuals, especially when consumed in large quantities. In Truvia, the amount of erythritol is generally well-tolerated, but high doses can still lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Comparative Breakdown: Stevia In The Raw vs. Truvia


Feature	Stevia In The Raw	Truvia	Summary
Primary Sweetener	Stevia Leaf Extract	Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb-A)	Both use stevia extract.
Bulking Agent	Dextrose or Maltodextrin	Erythritol	A key differentiator in health profile.
Calorie Count	Zero-calorie (FDA labeling)	Zero-calorie (FDA labeling)	Both are effectively zero-calorie per serving.
Blood Sugar Impact	Minimal, but dextrose adds carbs	None, erythritol is not metabolized	Erythritol has no effect on blood sugar.
Taste Profile	Some may detect a slight bitter aftertaste.	Less bitter, more sugar-like due to erythritol.	Personal preference plays a large role.
Baking Performance	May need recipe modifications for bulk/browning.	Measures more like sugar and provides bulk.	Truvia often performs better in baking.
Cardiovascular Risk	No known risk linked to ingredients.	Potential increased risk with high erythritol levels.	Significant recent safety concerns with Truvia's main bulking agent.
Digestive Impact	Less likely to cause issues than sugar alcohols.	High doses of erythritol can cause bloating/gas.	Varies by individual sensitivity.

Making the Decision for Your Health

The choice between Stevia In The Raw and Truvia is not straightforward and requires careful consideration of personal health and usage patterns. For those without underlying health conditions, the decision may come down to taste preference. However, for individuals concerned about cardiac health, the recent findings regarding erythritol—Truvia's primary bulking agent—present a significant and concerning new variable.

For most people, stevia itself is a low-calorie, plant-derived option with numerous potential benefits, including managing blood sugar and weight. The health implications often hinge on the fillers and other ingredients used in the final product. Reading the ingredient label is always the most important step to understand what you're consuming. Ultimately, moderating all sweetener intake, regardless of its source, is a healthy practice. As research evolves, staying informed is key to making the best choice for your wellness.

Conclusion

While both Stevia In The Raw and Truvia offer zero-calorie sweetness derived from the stevia plant, their compositions differ significantly due to their respective bulking agents. Stevia In The Raw uses dextrose, a simple sugar, while Truvia primarily uses erythritol, a sugar alcohol. Recent studies linking high erythritol levels to potential cardiovascular risks tilt the health advantage towards Stevia In The Raw for those with existing heart concerns. However, those on a strict carb-controlled diet should be mindful of dextrose. For baking, Truvia's formulation offers a more sugar-like texture and function, but its associated health concerns may outweigh this benefit for many. Choosing the healthier option involves prioritizing personal health considerations, especially regarding cardiovascular risk and digestive sensitivity, and being an educated consumer by checking ingredient labels. A mindful approach to all sweeteners, including natural ones, remains the wisest path to better health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Stevia In The Raw typically uses dextrose or maltodextrin as a bulking agent, while Truvia's calorie-free sweetener primarily uses erythritol.

Recent studies have raised concerns about erythritol, linking high blood levels to an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Those with existing cardiac risk factors should exercise caution.

Both are generally considered safe for diabetics as they don't significantly affect blood sugar. However, the dextrose in Stevia In The Raw adds minimal carbs, so those on very strict carb diets may prefer Truvia, while being mindful of the recent erythritol findings.

The erythritol in Truvia is a sugar alcohol that can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort, particularly when consumed in large quantities or by sensitive individuals.

Truvia often performs better in baking because its erythritol content provides the bulk and texture that sugar normally provides, making it a better cup-for-cup replacement.

Compared to sugar alcohols like erythritol, Stevia In The Raw's dextrose is less likely to cause digestive upset. However, some individuals might experience mild issues with high intake of any sweetener.

Stevia itself is a plant extract, but both products are refined and blended. The key difference lies in the bulking agent, with Stevia In The Raw's dextrose coming from corn and Truvia's erythritol also being a processed, fermented product. Neither is a 'whole' stevia leaf.

For most people, the amount of dextrose is minimal and not a concern. However, those on very strict carb-controlled diets or managing diabetes should account for the small amount of added carbohydrates.