5 things you need to know about stevia

Cargill, the company that co-developed Truvia, which is now used in the aforementioned Coca-Cola products, did exactly that in the States -- they showed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evidence that the sweetener was safe. In December 2008, the FDA approved rebaudioside A as an acceptable sweetener to use in commercial foods and drinks.

While Canadians may have to wait to buy a stevia-sweetened soda within our borders, we can enjoy the sugar substitute at home now. For years, stevia has been approved for personal use as a dietary supplement and you could find it at health food shops and some grocery stores. 

5. How to use stevia
You can use stevia wherever you want a hit of sweetness. Try it in hot and cold drinks, cereal, yogurt, sauces and dressings. It also works well in desserts. Pick up a stevia cookbook for guidance on using just the right amount in your baking. Try The Stevia Cookbook: Cooking with Nature's Calorie-Free Sweetener (Avery, 2004) by Ray Sahelian, MD, and Donna Gates.

For at-home use, go with a powdered or liquid form of stevia. Powdered versions are good for baking and adding to hot drinks, whereas the liquid mixes better into dressings, cold drinks, cereals and sauces.

Remember, stevia is very sweet so use a bit at a time as you become familiar with its taste. Add a drop or light sprinkle to your food or drink, stir, taste it, then gradually add more according to your preferences.

Why try stevia?
Stevia isn't perfect. Some people report that it has an aftertaste -- comparable to that of diet foods and drinks -- and it's more expensive than sugar. You can expect to pay $10 to $20 for about 60 mL.

But stevia has several advantages over sugar. It's calorie-free so it can help you to manage your weight, it's über sweet so a little bit goes a long way and it doesn't cause a spike in blood sugar so it can help people with diabetes safely satisfy a sweet craving.

In comparison to low-calorie sweeteners, stevia is natural. Can you say that about other sugar substitutes? Unlike many artificial sweeteners, stevia is heat-stable to about 390F, so you can use it in baking.

It's worth giving stevia a try. If you like it, you'll have another way -- perhaps a healthier way -- to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here's to adding more sweetness to your life!