Stevia compared to white and brown sugar

February 18, 2019
Healthcaretoday, Stevia, brown sugar, white sugar, Indra Balaratnam, artificial sweeteners, sweeteners, zero-calorie sweeteners,
Stevia is marketed as an alternative which lets you enjoy the sugar without using sugar.
Healthcaretoday, Stevia, brown sugar, white sugar, Indra Balaratnam, artificial sweeteners, sweeteners, zero-calorie sweeteners,
In today’s health-conscious society, many people turn to artificial sweeteners, believing they are a better alternative to traditional sugars like brown and white sugar. The allure of zero-calorie sweeteners often leads consumers to think they are making healthier choices. However, when we dig deeper, we find that neither white sugar, brown sugar, nor stevia is inherently healthier than the others; they simply offer different forms of sweetness.

According to Indra Balaratnam (pix), a nutrition consultant and dietitian, these sweeteners originate from distinct sources.

“Sugar, or sucrose, is extracted primarily from sugar cane and sugar beets, which thrive in tropical climates. While many plants contain sugar, only sugar beets and sugar cane have sufficient concentrations that allow for efficient extraction and conversion into white crystalline table sugar,” she explains.

Brown sugar, on the other hand, is created by adding molasses back into refined white sugar crystals. This process not only helps control the molasses-to-sugar ratio but also reduces manufacturing costs.

In contrast, stevia is derived from the leaves of the stevia rebaudiana plant, a wild herb native to Paraguay and Brazil. The leaves contain glycosides, the compounds responsible for its sweet flavor. Remarkably, stevia is about 30 times sweeter than sugar in its whole leaf form and can be nearly 300 times sweeter once refined.

Is one sweetener better than the others?
Ultimately, the choice between these sweeteners comes down to personal preference and taste. “At the end of the day, it’s about taste perception,” says Indra. “Stevia is marketed as an alternative that allows you to enjoy sweetness without using traditional sugar, but it’s important to recognize that it’s just one option among many.”

Indra also points out that the food industry often assumes consumers know how to self-regulate their sugar intake. However, given current eating habits, it's clear that many struggle with moderation. “Understanding why someone enjoys a particular taste can lead to discovering new favorites that don’t dominate your palate,” she adds.

Instead of fixating on what they must give up, individuals should focus on healthier options that can be just as enjoyable. “People often think healthy eating requires sacrificing many foods. But when you return to whole, real foods and are open to exploring new flavors, you’ll find plenty of naturally sweet options available,” she emphasizes.

While artificial sweeteners like stevia may seem like a healthier choice, the key lies in understanding personal preferences and embracing a diverse range of foods that can satisfy our sweet cravings without compromising health.

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