Erythritol vs. Stevia – The Sweet Choice for a Healthy Lifestyle

In the world of zero-calorie sweeteners, Erythritol and Stevia shine as top choices for those looking to sweeten their life without the calories and artificial ingredients. The choice between them isn't just about satisfying a sweet tooth—it's about fitting into a lifestyle that values health without sacrificing flavor.  

So what sets these sweeteners apart? Let’s explore and uncover the truth about Erythritol vs Stevia. 

What is Erythritol? 

Erythritol is a natural sweetener sugar alternative made from fermented fructose found in some fruits. Erythritol is 70% as sweet as sugar. Because Erythritol is not very sweet, it is used in higher concentrations. According to The Mayo Clinic, these concentrations can be almost 1,000 times the levels naturally found. 

Zero Calories, less Sugary Taste 

According to Health Line, Erythritol does not spike blood sugar, has zero calories, and is fine to eat for most people in moderation. 

What is Stevia? 

Stevia, or steviol glycosides, is derived from the Stevia Rebaudiana plant in South America and has been used for hundreds of years. The Stevia plant is 200-400 times sweeter than processed sugar and has many health benefits. Because of the extremely sweet taste, very little is needed to enhance the flavors of your foods and drinks. 

Sugary Taste AND Zero Calories! 

Stevia sweetener has zero calories, can be great for those with diabetes, helps people manage their weight, or for those who want to make healthier choices in their everyday diet.

Sugar Substitutes: Erythritol vs Stevia 

When enhancing the flavor of food and drinks with fewer calories, the choice of sweetener plays a pivotal role. Erythritol and Stevia, both derived from natural sources, have emerged as favored alternatives to traditional sugar. For your sweetener choice, savvy shoppers should weigh several factors including: 

• Taste 
• Side effects 

Sweet Taste Test 

Considering the taste of both Stevia and Erythritol is fundamental for consumers. Erythritol is 70% as sweet as sugar while Stevia is 200-400 times sweeter than regular sugar. This means you will need to use a lot more Erythritol than Stevia to satisfy your sweet tooth. Where a sprinkle of Stevia may satisfy your craving, spoonfuls of Erythritol will be necessary to match the taste of Stevia. 

What’s Better for Blood Sugar Control? 

While both Erythritol and Stevia have zero calories, Stevia is associated with more health benefits such as lowering blood pressure and fewer potential side effects. Erythritol can cause nausea and digestive issues for some people while Stevia is known to have no harmful impact on your gut. 

Alternative Sweetener Choices 

Wondering if Erythritol and Stevia are the sole stars of the alternative sweetness show? Let's explore other options and their health facts! 

Splenda 

Splenda is one of the most popular sucralose sweeteners. While this zero alorie sweetener may be a good alternative to table sugar in some cases, Splenda can spike blood sugar levels and insulin levels for some people. 

Aspartame 

Aspartame is an artificial zero calorie sweetener used commonly in soft drinks and food since the 1970s. While there have been many studies about the risks of Aspartame, it is currently FDA-approved in the United States. 

Why Do We Choose Stevia? 

At True Lemon, we pride ourselves on using clean, non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly ingredients. Stevia closely aligns with our mission of promoting cleanliness, healthy ingredients, and sustainable production. 

We care about providing our customers with a happy lifestyle and giving them options for convenient and delicious hydration! 

For these reasons and more, True Lemon uses Stevia leaf extract and a touch of sugar to naturally sweeten our lemonades, limeades, kids mixes, energys, and iced tea drink mixes. 

Our Stevia extract is derived from non-GMO rebiana, the sweetest part of the stevia leaf. This ensures a minimum of 95% purity, which is some of the highest in the industry. Our rebiana is only extracted through water-based methods, which are safer for both our customers and our environment. 

Our transparent ingredient finder and numerous customer stories highlight True Lemon’s dedication to healthy hydration. 

Stevia-Sweetened Products for a Happy Lifestyle! 

Switching your normal sugar intake to Stevia is an easy step toward a healthier lifestyle, and making the switch doesn’t have to be difficult with our wide range of products! 

Our Stevia-sweetened products are used by people with diabetes, vegans, parents wanting their kids to drink more water, those looking for an extra boost of energy throughout the day, and others who simply love the delicious taste. 

While our Stevia-sweetened drink mixes are a great start to including Stevia into your regular diet, our products can be used in more than just water. A few standout recipes we love are: 

• Chocolate Orange Mango Protein Smoothie 
• Black Cherry Limeade Delight 
• True Lemon CopyCat Pink Drink 
• Protein-Packed Raspberry Lemonade Popsicle 
• Easy Breakfast Smoothie 

The options are truly endless when it comes to delicious foods and drinks without any of the guilt. For more Stevia-related ideas and tips, check out our recipe blog. 

Find True Lemon In Stores or Online for Happy Hydration! 

We encourage you to experience the difference with True Lemon’s range of products. Whether you're seeking to enhance your water intake, looking for a healthier alternative to sugary drinks, or simply aiming to add a burst of flavor to your day, True Lemon has something for everyone. 

Find True Lemon products online or in a store near you today, and take the first step towards a more vibrant, healthy lifestyle! 

Resources

Regnat, K, et al. “Erythritol as Sweetener-Wherefrom and Whereto?” Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756564/. 

“Pros and Cons of Artificial Sweeteners.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 Jan. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936#:~:text=Some%20research%20on%20long%2Dterm,cause%20of%20the%20higher%20risk. 

“Erythritol: Uses, Benefits, and Risks.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-erythritol. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024. 

“Stevia: Health Benefits and Risks.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/food-recipes/what-is-stevia. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024. 

“Mayo Clinic Q and a: Is Erythritol a Safe and Healthy Sugar Substitute? - Mayo Clinic News Network.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Sept. 2023, newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-is-erythritol-a-safe-and-healthy-sugar-substitute/. 

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food#:~:text=FDA%20scientists%20do%20not%20have,is%20approved%20in%20many%20countries. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024. 

“Erythritol - Healthy Sweetener or a Big, Fat Lie?” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/erythritol. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.