It has been two years since the day that I decided to commit to a healthy lifestyle and to be able to do this, there are so many factors that I needed to consider. One of the most important things is to have a healthy relationship with food. I believe in the saying that “You are what you eat” and in order for me to stay on what is considered a healthy, proper, and nutritious diet, I have to lessen or drop one thing- SUGAR!!!
It’s really, genuinely so hard especially for someone who has been indulging in cakes, pastries, chocolates, coffees, milk teas, and other treats loaded with sugar since the time of his or her existence. Another reason why sugar is a big part of my diet because we are a family of bakers. I was born and raised by bakery owners. From the time I opened my eyes, all the yummy and sweet treats were already in sight. Who can say no to the smell of freshly baked bread from day until night?! So yes, growing up eating slices of bread, cakes, pastries, and other foods with sugar or high sugar content is really hard to avoid. Too much sugar in my diet has negative effects so finding an alternative or a substitute is a must and this is where I discovered STEVIA. Know more about Stevia and the brands you can find in Philippine supermarkets and groceries after the jump.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines
According to healthline.comStevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana). As it has zero calories but is 200 times sweeter than table sugar, it’s a popular choice for many people looking to lose weight and decrease sugar intake (4Trusted Source). This sweetener has also been associated with several health benefits, including lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines
Green Stevia
The first brand of stevia that I’ve tried years ago. I was buying my father’s medicine at Generics pharmacy when I suddenly saw this small green box and the cup with coffee got my attention. After asking a few questions with the sales attendant on what is Stevia, how to use it, and how much per box, I got sold.
According to the information written at the back of the box, “Green Stevia is a purified powdered extract from the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni plant. The plant is now being used worldwide. Every step has been taken to ensure the freshness of this product. No chemicals were added. The leaves are handpicked and delivered straight to the purifying plant to optimize freshness.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines Green Stevia 30s
size: 1 g x 30 sachets Net Wt. 30g per box
price: 102 php (Around $2.10+)
place bought: Robinsons Supermarket
Also available in Generics Pharmacy, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Shopee, and Lazada
Visit their website for more information: https://greenstevia.com.ph/
instructions for use: Can be mixed with beverages (coffee, shakes, tea, and juices), sprinkle on salads, and can be added in the preparation of other food (cereals and fruits)
Pure Via Stevia
Pure Via with Stevia leaf extract, delicious sweetness inspired by nature. It allows you to sweeten hot & cold beverages and desserts menu. 1 stick of Pure Via is equivalent to 2 teaspoons of sugar. This great-tasting blend combines extracts of stevia leaf from natural origin, and the smooth sweetness of sucralose to offer you a unique sweetening experience without all the calories of sugar.
This is a recent discovery that instantly became a favorite brand when it comes to alternative sweeteners. The box looks really nice (I’m a sucker for pretty packaging) and each stick comes in paper packaging. It’s easy to tear off and mix easily with hot and cold beverages.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines Pure Via 40s
size: 40 sticks (40 x 0.8g sticks/ Net Wt. 32g)
price: 130 php (Around $2.68+)
place bought: SM Supermarket
Also available in Robinsons Supermarket, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Shopee and Lazada, beautyMNL.com, rawbites.com, and Zalora
Visit their website for more information: https://ph.equal.com/
instructions for use: Can be used for stove cooking, beverages, savory and desserts
Naturals Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener
From the amazing leaves of the Stevia plant, native to South America and used as a natural sweetener for centuries, this simple sweet extract is unlocked. Naturals is a 100% sweetener made with the extracts of stevia leaf. These raw extracts are purified to concentrate the sweetest stevia extract and are then blended with other select natural ingredients to bring you a delicious natural sweet taste and a texture that closely resembles sugar with no calories.
Yes, it is indeed true that Naturals has a sugar-like texture. I like that it also comes in easy tear paper packaging. 1 stick of Naturals is equivalent to 1 level teaspoon of sugar.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines Naturals Stevia Zero Calorie Sweetener 40s
size: 40 sticks Net Wt. 80g)
price: 176.50 php (Around $3.63+)
place bought: Robinsons Supermarket
Also available in SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Shopee and Lazada, beautyMNL.com, rawbites.com, and Zalora
Visit their website for more information: https://ph.equal.com/
instructions for use: Enjoy Naturals with coffee and tea, cold drinks, fruit, and yogurt, or use as you would with sugar- sprinkle, stir or blend into your favorite foods, beverages, and recipes.
Healthy You Stevia Powder
Healthy You Stevia Powder contains Stevia Rebaudinia Bertoni Leaves Extract which has antioxidant properties, zero calories, carbs, and cholesterol. It enhances the food flavors too. 1 sachet of Healthy You Stevia Power is equivalent to 6 teaspoons of Refined Sugar. This is the sweetest among the alternative sweeteners that I’ve tried to date. 1 sachet is enough to give taste and flavor to my black coffee unlike the three above where I sometimes need to use 2 sachets per drink.
Feature: Stevia Brands in the Philippines Healthy You Stevia Powder
instructions for use: One sachet of Healthy You Stevia powder can be added to beverages, sprinkled in salads and other food preparation.
Since the day that I discovered Stevia, my love-hate relationship with sugar came to an end. I only use this natural sugar substitute when I make black coffee or need to give flavor to some of the teas that I drink. It’s also nice to have sticks and sachets inside my bag for emergency use like there’s this one time that I’m craving milk tea but I’m not in the mood for zero sugar in my drink. Good thing I have two sachets of Stevia inside my bag, sugar cravings sold!
These Stevia brands are readily available in major supermarkets, groceries, and online shops so there’s no need to worry about running out of stocks. Among the four brands, Green Stevia is the cheapest while Healthy You Stevia is the sweetest. Pure Via has the finest texture and mixes easily with coffee but if you prefer a sugar-like texture, go for Naturals brand.
Have you tried using Stevia as your alternative sweetener?