Stevia vs. Splenda: A Comprehensive Comparison of Sweeteners

Stevia and Splenda(R) are two very different non-calorie sweeteners that can be used in similar ways. One is a naturally sweet herb; the other is created in a lab from ordinary table sugar.

Stevia

• Stevia is a very sweet herb indigenous to South America. Stevia is used as a non-caloric sweetener in a variety of foods and drinks.

Splenda(R)

• Splenda(R) is the brand name for sucralose, an artificial, calorie-free sweetener that is derived from table sugar.

Use in Cooking

• Both stevia and Splenda(R) can be used in cooking and baking because both are stable under high temperatures.

Nutritional Supplementation

• Stevia can be taken in capsule form as a nutritional supplement because research indicates health benefits. Splenda is strictly used as an artificial sweetener.

Taste

• Stevia can have a bitter taste, although, some of the highly refined stevia-based products have reduced or eliminated this taste. Splenda can, however, leave a lingering sweet aftertaste after consumption.