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Which stevia brands do not contain erythritol? A Guide to Choosing Pure Sweeteners

4 min read

According to a 2023 CNN report, erythritol, a common sugar alcohol, was accidentally linked to cardiovascular risks in a study, causing concern for consumers. For those looking to avoid this ingredient, understanding which stevia brands do not contain erythritol? is crucial when selecting a sweetener for health reasons.

Quick Summary

An overview of stevia brands that are free of erythritol, explaining why fillers are used and offering a comparison of different pure stevia products and forms. Provides guidance on how to identify erythritol-free options by reading labels.

Key Points

  • Ingredient Label is Key: Always check the ingredient list, as many products marketed as 'stevia' contain erythritol as the main ingredient.

  • Liquid Stevia is Often Pure: Highly concentrated liquid stevia drops are typically the purest form and less likely to contain erythritol or other bulking agents.

  • Not All Forms are the Same: Powdered and granulated stevia are the most likely to include fillers like erythritol to provide bulk and texture similar to sugar.

  • Erythritol-Free Brands Exist: Brands like SweetLeaf, NOW Foods BetterStevia, Stevia Select, and specific product lines from Stevia In The Raw offer erythritol-free options.

  • Alternative Bulking Agents: Some erythritol-free brands use alternative fillers like allulose, inulin, or dextrose, which should also be checked based on dietary preferences.

  • Pure Stevia is Highly Concentrated: When using pure stevia extract, a very small amount is needed. Use caution to avoid an overly sweet or bitter taste.

In This Article

Understanding Why Stevia is Blended with Erythritol

Stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. The sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, can be 200–400 times sweeter than sugar. This intense sweetness is why manufacturers often mix pure stevia extract with bulking agents like erythritol.

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that provides volume and texture, mimicking the properties of sugar. It adds bulk, which makes the product easier to measure and use in cooking and baking. For bakers, sugar plays a vital structural role beyond just sweetness, and erythritol is often added to fill this void. Without a bulking agent, pure stevia extract is highly concentrated, requiring only a tiny amount to sweeten, which can be difficult for consumers to measure accurately. The blend also helps balance the taste profile, as pure stevia can sometimes have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste.

Leading Stevia Brands Without Erythritol

For consumers who wish to avoid erythritol, several brands offer pure stevia extract or use alternative bulking agents. These products come in various forms, including liquid drops, packets, and bulk powder. Always check the ingredient list, as some brands may have different product lines—some with erythritol and some without.

Brands Offering Erythritol-Free Products

  • Stevia In The Raw®: This brand explicitly states that its packets, bulk products, and tablets do not contain erythritol. Instead, it uses plant-based ingredients like dextrose and maltodextrin as bulking agents for its packet and tablet products. They also offer organic stevia products that specify "No Erythritol".
  • SweetLeaf: SweetLeaf is a popular choice known for its erythritol-free formulations. Its Sweet Drops liquids are often highlighted as a pure, natural sweetener option, free of artificial additives. SweetLeaf also offers packets and other products without erythritol.
  • NOW Foods BetterStevia: This brand offers a variety of erythritol-free options, including organic liquid drops and bulk powder. NOW Foods clearly states that it does not add erythritol to its stevia products.
  • NuNaturals: Known for its commitment to natural ingredients, NuNaturals offers erythritol-free stevia options, including liquid and powdered extracts.
  • Stevia Select: This brand is noted for offering 100% pure stevia extract with no fillers, including erythritol.
  • Kaareemi Pure Stevia Extract: A brand that promotes 100% pure stevia extract with no fillers like erythritol or maltodextrin.
  • BSL BSWEETBNATURAL: An option for pure stevia extract powder that specifies being without erythritol.
  • Viccoky Organic Stevia Powder: Offers a pure stevia extract powder with no additives, as certified by the USDA Organic program.

Important Considerations When Buying

  • Reading the label is essential. Many products may be marketed as "stevia" but primarily consist of erythritol, with stevia extract being a minor component. Look for products that state "100% pure stevia extract" or explicitly mention being erythritol-free.
  • Forms of stevia matter. Liquid stevia drops are typically the purest form and are often free of bulking agents. However, some liquid blends may still contain glycerin or other fillers. Powdered or granulated stevia is more likely to contain fillers to mimic sugar's texture and volume.

Comparison of Erythritol-Free Stevia Products

Brand Product Type Form Additives Key Features
SweetLeaf Stevia Sweet Drops Liquid Water, Natural Flavor 0 calories, 0 carbs, non-GMO
NOW Foods BetterStevia Powder Powder Silica Organic, keto-friendly, suitable for diabetics
Stevia In The Raw Organic Packets Powder Dextrose, Maltodextrin USDA Organic, no erythritol, vegan
NuNaturals Pure Stevia Extract Powder None Highly concentrated, no fillers
Stevia Select Liquid Stevia Drops Liquid Water, Natural Flavor All-natural, no erythritol, keto-friendly
Kaareemi Pure Stevia Extract Powder Powder None 100% pure, no fillers

Why Pure Stevia Isn't for Everyone

While avoiding erythritol might be the goal, pure stevia extract has its own unique properties. The intense concentration means very precise measurement is required, or else it can result in a cloyingly sweet or bitter taste. For baking, pure stevia doesn't provide the bulk and structure that sugar or an erythritol blend would, often requiring recipe modification.

Alternatives to Erythritol for Baking and Bulk

For those who need a sugar-like replacement for baking without erythritol, consider products blended with alternatives like:

  • Allulose: A rare sugar found in figs and raisins that has zero calories and doesn't impact blood sugar. Some brands now offer stevia-allulose blends.
  • Inulin: A type of soluble fiber, sometimes added as a bulking agent, that feeds healthy gut bacteria and is not a sugar alcohol.
  • Monk Fruit: Another natural, zero-calorie sweetener often used alone or in blends with allulose to avoid erythritol. You must check the label carefully, as it's frequently sold in erythritol blends.

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing a stevia brand without erythritol is a straightforward process when you know what to look for. The key is to check the ingredient list thoroughly, especially for powdered or granulated products, and opt for pure liquid extracts or blends with alternative bulking agents if erythritol is a concern. Brands like Stevia In The Raw, SweetLeaf, NOW Foods, and NuNaturals offer reliable erythritol-free options, but always verify the specific product and format to ensure it meets your dietary needs. By paying close attention to labels, consumers can enjoy the benefits of stevia without unwanted additives. For personalized nutritional advice, it is always best to consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Erythritol is added as a bulking agent to mimic the texture, volume, and mouthfeel of sugar. It also makes the product easier to measure and can mask the bitter aftertaste sometimes associated with pure stevia extract.

No, not all stevia products contain erythritol. While many powdered and granulated varieties do, pure liquid extracts and specific product lines from brands like SweetLeaf and NOW Foods are available without it.

Examples include SweetLeaf Sweet Drops, NOW Foods BetterStevia (specific liquid and powdered products), NuNaturals liquid and powdered stevia, and Stevia Select liquid drops. Stevia In The Raw also has erythritol-free product lines.

To identify if a stevia product contains erythritol, you should carefully read the ingredient list on the packaging. If it's included, it will be listed along with the stevia extract.

Yes, other common additives include dextrose, maltodextrin, and inulin. While these are not sugar alcohols, they can be a concern for some diets. Dextrose and maltodextrin are derived from starches and can affect blood sugar.

Erythritol-free stevia is preferred by those who want to avoid sugar alcohols due to potential digestive issues or recent cardiovascular concerns raised by studies. The "best" choice depends on individual health goals and preferences, but reading the ingredients is always wise.

You can bake with pure stevia, but it requires significant recipe adjustments. Because it's so concentrated, a very small amount is needed for sweetness, and it does not provide the bulk, texture, or browning that sugar (or an erythritol blend) would.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.