Included in this months Influenster’s Love VoxBox was a cute sampler box of Truvia sweetener. Influenster really hit the nail on the head with this months box. I really did enjoy using everything, and was happy to see some personal favorites of mine– one being Truvia which I love to use already. I actually been using Truvia over the past 2-3 years, while alternating with Splenda which my boyfriend prefers. I don’t like to buy both at the same time so we switch off until one is empty.
The whole reason I started using Truvia was because I got into a “healthy” kick and was just finding ways to go natural where I could. I think I was also reading skinny bitch at the time and was on high alert on what I would eat and drink. My boyfriend is a diabetic and has converted me from drinking regular coke, to pretty much coke zero only just by the fact I always wanted to have something he could drink in the house. Remember how I don’t like buying two kinds of something at the same time? Yea..so I would just get what worked for both of us.
What’s so special about Truvia? Truvia comes from stevia, or sweetleaf as some may call it. Its an all natural substitute to sugar or artificial sweeteners. I like the idea that it wasn’t all “chemically” sounding and that it just comes from a plant. Splenda, is Sucralose, an artificial form of sugar — both Truvia and Splenda add no caloric value to anything you add it to; meaning calorie-free sweetener. The difference is that one is chemically altered, and one isn’t.
Real sugar, that comes from the sugar cane plant is pressed from the plant to extract the juice. That juice is then boiled to thicken and then crystallize it. After, its spun to remove all the liquid and dry it into a recognizable form of refined sugar we see in supermarkets today. This type of sugar is what makes us overweight and found is pretty much everything along with HFCS (High fructose corn syrup)
Splenda, or Sucralose is derived from real sugar, also derived from a plant– sugar cane. Its just been “chlorinated” into a different form. Its said to be less natural because it went through a bigger process to get to its final product, unlike stevia. I know there is controversy on Sucralose, and even in the skinny bitch book they talk about how it even may be dangerous for diabetics and can cause diarrhea, problems with the immune system, and reproductive system! That is a lot to swallow. Thats a lot at risk for choosing one yellow packet over a green and white one.
In a taste comparison, stevia doesn’t taste exactly the same as refined white sugar or Splenda, but it does the job and sweetens. Instead of one sugar packet, I used two Truvia to get the same levels of sweet. Over the past two weeks Ive been using them in my coffee and stash tea (another product sent through the Influenster program). I even went and bought a whole new big box since I got a coupon for it and it costs more than the other stuff we buy.
I like Truvia alot, I just wish it wasn’t so expensive, much like any of the stevia sweeteners are. I suppose until they are in higher demand they will remain more pricey than regular sugar or other artificial sweeteners. However, I have noticed that some private labels at the supermarket are making a version of stevia derived sweeteners. I am also starting to notice them as an option in more restaurants and become more mainstream.
I even noticed on the Truvia facebook page that now Truvia is being used as the sweetener in Sprite and Nestea Drinks instead of refined sugar. It was kinda cool to see others asking the same thing:
Why not in the U.S? When will this happen in the US?
Well? We’ll all waiting to hear. When?
What do you think guys? Have you tried Truvia? Or any stevia product? How do you feel about chemically altered food? And have you read skinny bitch and felt like you shouldn’t eat anything ever again? lol. Share in the comments below if your a Truvia fan!
The product was provided to me through the influesnter program for free in return for my honest review.
Want to find out more information about Truvia?
Visit their website here.
Truvia’s Facebook Page
Truvia’s Twitter Page
