The Best Stevia: Best Tasting and Best Priced Stevia

For the last several years, in my earnest attempt to forego table sugar and artificial sweeteners, I have been trying various brands of stevia as an alternative sweetener.

As you many know, stevia is used most often as a sugar substitute and is derived from an herb commonly called “sweetleaf” or “sweet leaf.” I have also heard it referred to as the “honey leaf plant.” With virtually no calories, it is obviously a great alternative to sugar. It is further said to help regulate blood sugar; therefore, some diabetics greatly appreciate stevia in their diets.

Technically, stevia has been considered a “dietary supplement” by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here in the U.S. This sweet leaf plant has been used for a variety of “medicinal” purposes throughout history.

Being what I call an iced tea-aholic, I drink my tea with stevia every single day--no matter the weather. I prefer ordinary black tea, but have joined the ranks of those who appreciate the enormous health benefits of green tea, as well as other very interesting teas. (I will write more about tea in the near future.)

I mention my tea addiction to make clear the fact that the flavor of the stevia is extremely important to me, since it is very noticeable in most any tea that has no added flavorings.

If you have ever purchased stevia, you certainly know that it is not cheap; it can be a bit pricey, in fact. Comparing the many brands becomes complicated by the fact that there are varying strengths, types, and sizes available to choose from.

One more complexity involves the newer products to the market, touted as stevia sweeteners (Truvia and PureVia, in particular ), now sold at most any supermarket. These, however, are combinations of Stevia with other ingredients.

Rather than go into too much detail about the many differences, I want to focus here on sharing my personal favorite. My choice is the result of trying dozens of options and paying a veritable fortune in doing so! And, thanks to the Internet, I was also able to do a good deal of homework, which included reading dozens upon dozens of others’ reviews to guide me.

I should mention that I have tried Truvia and PureVia (they are okay, but have a peculiar aftertaste in my opinion) and I have used several “health food store brands” of stevia extracts, many of which have a slightly bitter aftertaste and/or an odd chemical taste.

The best tasting (and best priced) stevia extract that I have found, thus far, is made by NOW Foods. Though they offer many stevia varieties under that label, such as liquids or inulin-added versions, my top pick is their plain powdered extract which is certified organic. (According to the nutritional label, this is a 45 mg extract of Stevia rebaudiana.) Importantly, it dissolves well into even my cold drink, and I can detect no real aftertaste.

As for price, it is hard to beat when purchased in the largest size, which appears to be their 1-pound canister. Though available at a number of health food stores and online supplement shops, I have found the best price to be with Amazon.com, particularly combined with free shipping.

Though I’ve seen it slightly less expensive at one or two other online ordering sources, I was soured on the idea of buying elsewhere because of some negative reviews regarding sometimes lengthy waiting times for products to be shipped or received. I love that I can get 2-day shipping and ordering is super simple. Amazon has never disappointed me.

I am truly enjoying my iced tea as I write this, and I did so happen to receive my NOW Foods stevia delivered right to my doorstep just hours ago. (Talk about convenient.) I will write again should I ever find another that is as good or better than this. Meanwhile, I consider this particular stevia to be a great product with a great value. Sweet!