Last Updated on November 15, 2023 by Shawn Connel
Truvia is derived from a natural plant source, stevia, which may be preferable for those looking for natural alternatives to artificial sweeteners. Additionally, Truvia has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels. However, some potential drawbacks include its bitter aftertaste and the fact that it is highly processed.
What is Truvia?
Truvia is a sugar alternative that was introduced by the Cargill company in 2008, and it rapidly gained immense popularity in the United States, currently being the number one leading natural sugar substitute available in retail outlets across the US. It is made by combining stevia, which is 200 times sweeter than sugar, with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that adds bulk and the sugar-like crystalline appearance and texture to Truvia, along with other natural flavors.
One packet of Truvia is as sweet as 2 teaspoons of sugar, but it contains practically zero calories per serving, making it a decent option for those looking to lose weight while still enjoying something sweet every now and then. The US Department of Agriculture notes that a one-teaspoon serving of Truvia contains 3 grams of erythritol, but the body does not absorb sugar alcohols, so they contribute zero calories, and the substance does not change blood glucose or insulin levels. While taste testers’ results varied, Truvia is often considered to be one of the sugar alternatives with good taste and can be used in both cooking and baking.
Truvia’s composition and ingredients
Truvia is a sugar alternative developed jointly by multinational food and agricultural conglomerate Cargill Inc. and the Coca-Cola Company. It was introduced in 2008 and quickly became one of the most popular sweeteners in the US. Truvia is manufactured from a blend of three ingredients: a sweet compound isolated from the stevia plant called Rebiana, erythritol, and natural flavors.
While Truvia is advertised as a stevia-based sweetener, it contains only tiny amounts of purified rebaudioside A – not the stevioside compound in stevia linked to health benefits. Instead, Truvia is almost entirely made up of erythritol, a sugar alcohol made by processing corn into a food-grade starch and fermenting it with yeast. Erythritol has a unique chemical structure that prevents it from being metabolized by the body, which means it provides almost no calories and has no harmful metabolic effects.
Truvia also contains natural flavors, which are not well defined on the product label or on the company’s website. While Cargill has been sued for its use of the word “natural” to describe its products, it continues to use the label. Despite these uncertainties, Truvia is often preferred by people looking for a sugar alternative because it is almost calorie-free and does not have any negative effects on blood sugar or insulin levels.
The Pros of Truvia
Tria is a popular sugar substitute that is becoming increasingly popular. Despite being a processed product, it has several advantages over traditional sugar. Here are some of the pros of using Truvia as a sweetener:
- Low in calories: Truvia has practically zero calories per serving, making it a great option for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. It contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol that has a unique chemical structure that allows it to stimulate taste receptors without being broken down by the body. As a result, it passes through your system without any of sugar’s adverse metabolic effects.
- No effect on blood sugar levels: With Truvia, you won’t experience the sugar high and subsequent crash that comes with consuming refined sugar. Since the body cannot metabolize erythritol, it does not change blood glucose or insulin levels. This is a boon for diabetics and anyone trying to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Good for baking: Truvia can be used in place of sugar in most recipes without any problems. It behaves similarly to sugar when heated, so it can be used in baked goods just like sugar. However, you might need to make a few tweaks to the recipe to achieve the perfect taste and texture.
- Tastes good: Truvia has a pleasant taste that many people find similar to sugar. While it does have a slightly different taste, it is not overpowering and doesn’t leave an aftertaste. It is also less likely to have any metallic taste that some other sugar substitutes can have.
- Comes from a natural source: Truvia is derived from the stevia plant, which is a natural sweetener. While it is a processed product, it contains only natural ingredients. This can be a huge draw for those who are looking for a natural alternative to sugar without any artificial additives.
The Cons of Truvia
- Truvia has gained immense popularity as a sugar alternative since its launch in 2008, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Here are some cons of Truvia that you should keep in mind before adding it to your diet:
- Truvia contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. While erythritol is generally considered safe, consuming too much of it can lead to discomfort.
- The natural flavors added to Truvia are unspecified, which means you don’t know what you’re actually consuming. These flavors may contain additives or chemicals that are not beneficial for your health.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction to Truvia, especially if they’re allergic to the stevia plant. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, rash, and swelling of the face or throat.
- While Truvia is marketed as a natural and healthy sugar alternative, it’s still a highly processed food product. It’s best to consume natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation instead of relying on processed alternatives.
- Truvia may not satisfy your sweet tooth as much as regular sugar does. Some people find the taste of Truvia to be lacking or artificial, which can make it hard to stick to a low-sugar diet.
Conclusion
Truvia is a popular sweetener in the US, developed jointly by Cargill Inc and the Coca-Cola Company. It is composed primarily of erythritol, a sugar alcohol found in some natural foods like fruits. Truvia is claimed to be a stevia-based sweetener, but it barely contains any components of the stevia plant. It is marketed as a natural sweetener, but the term “natural flavors” used to describe its final ingredient remains a bit of a mystery. Despite these concerns, erythritol appears to be quite different from other sugar alcohols, as it has a unique chemical structure that makes it resistant to digestion.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/truvia-good-or-bad
https://www.medicinenet.com/are_stevia_and_truvia_the_same_thing/article.htm
