Diana Thompson
Diana focuses on sustainable crafts and eco-friendly DIY projects.
Coca-Cola’s decision to discontinue its stevia-sweetened cola, Coca Life, raised questions on why the company stopped using stevia in their products.
The shift away from stevia was influenced by 1. lackluster sales of Coca Life, 2. higher demand for zero-calorie alternatives like Coca-Cola Zero, and 3. evolving consumer preferences towards sugar-free options. This move highlights the importance of market dynamics and consumer trends in shaping product strategies within the beverage industry.
Coca-Cola launched a hybrid stevia and cane sugar sweetened cola product, Coca Life, in 2014 which was pulled from the market three years after due to lackluster sales and higher demand for its other zero calorie product, Coca-Cola Zero. “It was a half-baked solution.
How many stevia plants do I need?
You may not need many stevia plants due to its intense aftertaste often requiring additional sweeteners like aspartame or erythritol, and even real sugar to mask its bitterness.
1. The intensity of stevia’s aftertaste may vary depending on individual taste preferences.
2. Consider experimenting with different ratios of stevia to other sweeteners to achieve desired sweetness levels.
3. Start small when incorporating stevia into recipes until you find the right balance for your taste buds.
Who should not use stevia?
Some people should avoid using stevia, such as those allergic to it. While Truvia sweeteners contain a purified extract from the stevia plant, they are not equivalent to pure stevia. Individuals with known allergies to stevia should be cautious when using products like Truvia to avoid adverse reactions. Additionally, those with certain medical conditions or taking specific medications should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating stevia into their diet.
Can too much stevia hurt your stomach?
Yes, excessive consumption of stevia can potentially cause stomach discomfort. The bitterness often experienced after consuming stevia is mainly due to the presence of stevioside, a compound found in the stevia plant. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as stomach pain or bloating. It is recommended to consume stevia in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on the stomach.
How many times is stevia sweeter than sugar?
Stevia is approximately 200-350 times sweeter than sugar. Most stevia sweeteners contain erythritol, although not all. There are around sixty stevia erythritol blends available. Erythritol is a widely used sweetener due to its popularity and low calorie content.
Does all stevia contain erythritol?
Do all stevia sweeteners contain erythritol? No, but most do. Over 60 stevia erythritol blends are available. Erythritol, a popular sweetener, is pronounced “Ah-REETH-ra-tall”.
Why is my stevia plant flowering?
Your stevia plant is flowering because it is a tender perennial favored by diabetics and dieters that thrives in warm sunlight and dies back in freezing temperatures. In zones 9 and warmer, its roots typically survive the winter and regrow in spring. In zone 8, with proper protection, it can also overwinter successfully. Enjoy the benefits of this plant’s blossoms and continue caring for it under suitable conditions.
Why was stevia banned in the UK?
Stevia was banned in the UK due to restrictions on its use. Stevia is a versatile plant that thrives in various climates. Its growth cycle involves crucial metabolic events during flowering, which marks the ideal time for harvesting. To address the ban on stevia in the UK, consider the following points:
1. Stevia’s sweetness is derived from natural compounds called steviol glycosides.
2. Steviol glycosides are up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
3. Stevia is used as a natural sweetener in various products worldwide.
4. The ban on stevia in the UK has been lifted, and it is now allowed for use in food and beverages.
Can too much stevia be harmful?
Excessive consumption of stevia can be harmful, causing bloating, gas, or diarrhea. Certain individuals may be particularly sensitive to stevia, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, and increased sugar cravings. It is advisable to consume stevia in moderation to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
What are the benefits of dried stevia leaves?
Dried stevia leaves offer benefits due to their high content of steviol glycosides, which are approximately 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Research supports the advantages of using stevia as a sugar substitute over traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners, despite it not being widely adopted yet.
Why isn’t stevia more widely used?
Stevia isn’t more widely used despite its benefits of being calorie-free, not impacting blood sugar or insulin levels, and being non-cariogenic. This is because highly processed stevia extracts may fuel cravings for sweet foods and lead to excessive consumption. Moderation in consuming stevia products is thus advised to avoid overindulgence.
How do you take the bitterness out of stevia leaves?
To remove the bitterness from stevia leaves, consider incorporating it into recipes in moderation due to its intense sweetness. While one stevia plant can yield ample sweetness for daily use, it’s important to note that stevia leaves are not FDA-approved for commercial purposes. Therefore, growing and using stevia leaves from your personal garden is your most reliable option.
Should I let stevia flower?
Yes, you can let stevia flower. However, it’s important to note that once stevia flowers, the leaves may lose some of their sweetness. To maintain the best flavor for sweetening purposes, it is recommended to regularly prune the plant to prevent flowering. This will help ensure that the leaves retain their sweetness for longer periods. Additionally, harvesting the leaves before flowering can also preserve the sweetness of the stevia plant.
Is stevia hard on the liver?
Stevia, specifically in Truvia sweeteners, does not negatively affect the liver. It contains stevia leaf extract that is purified from the best-tasting parts of the stevia plant, contributing to its delicious taste while being liver-friendly.
1. Stevia has been generally recognized as safe by the FDA.
2. Research suggests steviol glycosides, the compounds in stevia, are not harmful to the liver.
3. However, excessive consumption of any sweetener should be avoided, including stevia, to maintain good liver health.
What are the side effects of using stevia?
Side effects of using stevia include potential increased desire for sweet-tasting foods. Although pure stevia doesn’t affect blood sugar levels or promote tooth decay like sugar, highly refined extracts may lead to overconsumption. It is important to be mindful of one’s intake to avoid excessive consumption of sweetened products.
Why don’t people like stevia?
People often dislike stevia due to its strong aftertaste. To mask this bitterness, products with stevia are often sweetened with other alternatives like aspartame or erythritol. In some cases, manufacturers even add real sugar to cover up stevia’s intense flavor. Consequently, people might prefer other sweeteners over stevia in their food and beverages.
Is monk fruit better than stevia?
When it comes to choosing between Monk Fruit sweetener and Stevia sweetener, both offer viable alternatives to sugar. However, Monk Fruit emerges as the better and healthier choice due to its pleasant flavour, absence of bitter aftertaste, zero glycemic index, and potential antioxidant benefits.
In conclusion, the decision by Coke to stop using stevia was likely driven by various factors, such as consumer preferences, taste considerations, and market demand. While stevia offers a natural sweetener alternative, it may not have resonated with the mass market or met the desired flavor profile for Coke products. Ultimately, the company’s choice to discontinue stevia underscores the complex interplay between consumer preferences, taste preferences, and market trends in the food and beverage industry. Only time will tell if stevia or other alternative sweeteners will make a comeback in Coke’s product lineup.