ORGANIC STEVIA LEAF VS. ERYTHRITOL

When it comes to sweeteners, there are many available on the market today. Two popular natural sweeteners are organic stevia leaf extract and erythritol. Both of these sweeteners are great alternatives to traditional sugar. However, there are some key differences. It can make one a better choice than the other depending on your health goals.

For the record, at Honey Badger, we only use organic stevia leaf extract. We do not use erythritol in any of our formulas.

ORGANIC STEVIA LEAF

Organic stevia leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. They are native to South America. Stevia has been used for centuries by the Guarani people of Paraguay as a natural sweetener. Stevia is now widely used as a natural sugar substitute and has gained popularity in recent years. Its main advantages are zero calories and a low glycemic index. The stevia leaf extract is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. This enables the use of less material per serving.

ERYTHRITOL

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. It has gained popularity as a natural sweetener. It contains zero calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Erythritol is approximately 70% as sweet as sugar. You can use less material to achieve the same level of sweetness.

• Digestive Issues: In some individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts, erythritol can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea, though it is generally better tolerated than other sugar alcohols.
• Less Sweet Than Sugar: At 60-80% the sweetness of sugar, more erythritol is needed to achieve the same sweetness level, which may affect recipe formulations or cost.
• Potential Health Concerns: A 2023 study in Nature Medicine suggested a possible link between high erythritol consumption and increased cardiovascular risks, though more research is needed to confirm causality.
• Limited Health Benefits: Unlike stevia, erythritol does not offer additional health benefits like antioxidant properties or blood pressure regulation.
• Cooling Sensation: Erythritol can produce a mild cooling effect on the palate, which may be noticeable in certain foods or beverages and undesirable for some users.
• Cost: High-quality erythritol can be more expensive than other sweeteners, especially when larger quantities are needed due to its lower sweetness intensity.

WHAT SWEETENER IS BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Organic stevia leaf extract has several benefits over erythritol. One of the biggest benefits of stevia is that it has no calories. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Stevia has also been shown to have potential health benefits. This includes lowering blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and acting as an antioxidant.

Erythritol, on the other hand, has been known to cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea when consumed in large amounts. Erythritol has no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. However, it does not offer the same health benefits as stevia. A recent study conducted by nature medicine may show some health risks with large consumption of erythritol. More research is needed to conclude the findings.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, while both organic stevia leaf extract and erythritol are excellent natural sugar substitutes, stevia is a better choice. It's the clear winner if you are looking for a zero calorie, low glycemic index sweetener with potential health benefits. Erythritol can be used for those who want a natural sweetener but may need to use a bit more to achieve the desired level of sweetness. As always, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.