Truvia for Baking: The Artificial Ingredients You're Really Using

Truvia has become a go-to sugar substitute for health-conscious bakers, but is it really the natural choice it claims to be? Before you reach for that yellow packet to sweeten your next batch of cookies, let's take a closer look at the artificial ingredients hiding in Truvia.

What is Truvia?

Truvia is a popular sugar substitute marketed as a natural, stevia-based sweetener. It's a joint venture between Cargill and the Coca-Cola Company, designed to appeal to consumers seeking a healthier alternative to sugar.But despite its "natural" image, Truvia is far from a pure stevia extract. In fact, it's a highly processed blend of three main ingredients:
  • Erythritol (a sugar alcohol)
  • Rebaudioside A (a refined stevia compound)
  • Natural flavors (which could be anything)
So while Truvia does contain a stevia-derived ingredient, it's not the same as using whole stevia leaves or a less-refined extract.

The Problem with Erythritol

Erythritol, the main ingredient in Truvia, is a sugar alcohol that's about 70% as sweet as sugar. While it's often touted as a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners, the truth is that most erythritol is industrially produced by fermenting genetically modified corn.Some potential issues with erythritol include:
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort: Like other sugar alcohols, erythritol can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people.
  • Questionable long-term safety: There's limited research on the long-term health effects of consuming erythritol in large amounts.
  • Highly processed: Erythritol undergoes extensive processing and refining, making it far from a natural ingredient.
So while erythritol may be lower in calories and less harmful to teeth than sugar, it's not without its drawbacks.

Rebaudioside A: Not the Same as Stevia

The stevia-derived compound in Truvia, rebaudioside A, is often confused with whole stevia. But there's a big difference between the two.Stevia leaves contain a variety of sweet compounds, including stevioside and rebaudioside A. Stevioside, in particular, has been linked to potential health benefits like lowering blood sugar and blood pressure.But Truvia doesn't contain any stevioside – just isolated rebaudioside A. This highly refined compound is stripped of the beneficial compounds found in whole stevia, making it a far cry from the natural sweetener it's marketed as.

The Mystery of "Natural Flavors"

Another ingredient you'll find on the Truvia label is "natural flavors." But what does that really mean?According to the FDA, natural flavors can be derived from a variety of plant or animal sources, including fruit, spices, herbs, roots, leaves, meat, seafood, and more. But the specific ingredients used are considered proprietary information and aren't disclosed on the label.So when you see "natural flavors" on a product like Truvia, you have no way of knowing exactly what you're consuming. It could be a harmless fruit extract, or it could be something more questionable.

A Smarter Sweetener Choice

If you're looking for a truly natural and transparent sugar substitute for baking, consider Sweetein. This innovative sweetener is:
  • Made from 100% sweet vegetable protein
  • 5000x sweeter than sugar
  • Zero calorie, zero carb, and zero glycemic
  • Free from artificial ingredients and fillers
Unlike Truvia, Sweetein doesn't hide behind vague "natural flavors" or highly processed ingredients. It's a clean, plant-based alternative that delivers unbeatable sweetness without the questionable additives.

The Bottom Line on Truvia for Baking

Don't be fooled by Truvia's natural marketing claims. This popular sugar substitute is far from a pure stevia product, and its main ingredients – erythritol and rebaudioside A – are highly processed and refined.If you're committed to clean, natural baking, Truvia may not be the best choice. Instead, opt for a transparent sweetener like Sweetein that delivers on its promise of pure, plant-based sweetness.Your baked goods (and your body) will thank you for choosing a smarter sugar substitute. So the next time you're whipping up a batch of cookies or muffins, reach for Sweetein instead of Truvia. Your taste buds won't know the difference, but your health will!
Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.