Stevia Supporter Sometimes you just have to keep trying until you get it right. In an e-Alert I sent you in March about several natural alternatives for sugar ("The Sweet Life" 3/1003), an HSI member named Kathy offered this tip about stevia: "Regarding stevia, not all brands are created equal. I have switched to Kal's and, like the package states, there is no unpleasant aftertaste. And, happily, Kal's is cheaper." Kathy's comment brought additional e-mails from several members who seemed to be unconvinced that any brand of stevia could be anything but bitter. Then a few days ago I heard from Kathy again with another good stevia tip: "I'm the one who recommended Kal's stevia. There is another important factor regarding using stevia and that is too much doesn't taste good even if it is Kal's. As a reference point only 1/8 teaspoon is plenty to sweeten two large mugs of tea. Sometimes I use a small amount of stevia like 1/8 teaspoon in a dessert and reduce the regular sweetener by half. The problem with stevia is measuring out small enough amounts. And we're talking about the white, powdered extract not the green, powdered stevia leaf." Maybe this sweet new information is all that was needed to win over those folks who took one taste of stevia and passed on it. To Your Good Health, Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute | 
