Please do not misunderstand me in the least. I love using Stevia. I use it multiple times a day. I also cook with it. But I thought that, especially given how often I recommend it, I should offer a necessary caution. Unfortunately, there is definitely such a thing as using too much. And the threshold is pretty low.
Stevia comes in multiple strengths and forms, including some in powder form, or mixed with additional sweeteners. My preference, for daily use, is the liquid. I have started using Truvia (or its generic counterpart) for baking. The generic versions of both are pictured below. I personally use what is most likely a watered-down version, purchased at Walmart. I find it easier to dose. Not to mention that it's conveniently available at almost any Walmart. Like most things, Walmart does occasionally run out of it, but they will usually have it again within a few days.
It also comes in a concentrated liquid form. I have only had opportunity to use that once. I find it extremely easy to over sweeten. It only takes a very few drops before it's too much. I've also had a difficult time finding it conveniently available.
The effects of too much Stevia are as follows. A little too much and it begins to get unpleasant. Not intolerable, mind you, just unpleasant. And the more you add, after that, the worse it gets. It can fairly quickly get quite a strong chemically flavor. Rather surprising, since it's a natural product. The first few times I used it, I made the mistake of using too much. I would just as soon save someone else from making the same mistake. Start slow. Unlike ordinary cane sugar, you are likely to notice the flavor from a very small amount. And you can always add more. It's much harder to fix, if you add too much.
If you're managing to get the dosage right, and still finding the flavor a bit off, try mixing it with just a tiny bit of Splenda or a sweetened drink mix, to balance the flavors. I recommend the liquid ones (see earlier post on those). Another slight caution with the drink mixes. Most of them, since they have citric acid in them, tend to curdle milk or cream.
I sincerely hope this information helps others enjoy Stevia as much as I do!
Stevia comes in multiple strengths and forms, including some in powder form, or mixed with additional sweeteners. My preference, for daily use, is the liquid. I have started using Truvia (or its generic counterpart) for baking. The generic versions of both are pictured below. I personally use what is most likely a watered-down version, purchased at Walmart. I find it easier to dose. Not to mention that it's conveniently available at almost any Walmart. Like most things, Walmart does occasionally run out of it, but they will usually have it again within a few days.
It also comes in a concentrated liquid form. I have only had opportunity to use that once. I find it extremely easy to over sweeten. It only takes a very few drops before it's too much. I've also had a difficult time finding it conveniently available.The effects of too much Stevia are as follows. A little too much and it begins to get unpleasant. Not intolerable, mind you, just unpleasant. And the more you add, after that, the worse it gets. It can fairly quickly get quite a strong chemically flavor. Rather surprising, since it's a natural product. The first few times I used it, I made the mistake of using too much. I would just as soon save someone else from making the same mistake. Start slow. Unlike ordinary cane sugar, you are likely to notice the flavor from a very small amount. And you can always add more. It's much harder to fix, if you add too much.
If you're managing to get the dosage right, and still finding the flavor a bit off, try mixing it with just a tiny bit of Splenda or a sweetened drink mix, to balance the flavors. I recommend the liquid ones (see earlier post on those). Another slight caution with the drink mixes. Most of them, since they have citric acid in them, tend to curdle milk or cream.
I sincerely hope this information helps others enjoy Stevia as much as I do!
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