Can someone tell me what is stevia, the difference between stevia (if it is a sweetener like splenda) and splenda, and if one is better than the other? also, where might i find stevia?
oops sorry i posted in wrong topic, and i'm unable to delete.

Click on Tips and go to the Sweetener Information.

You can buy stevia at natural foods stores.

Karen

Thank you Karen!

You can buy stevia in most health food stores - I believe that it is a root that has sweetening properties.
YOu can buy splenda in any grocery store, either loose or in small packages (which I prefer). If I understand correctly, it is a naturally derived substitute, which comes from sugar. It has been recommended by Health Magazine which is published in the US. It has no chemicals so it is not thought to be harmful in any way.
In my experience, splenda does not change consistency or flavour when heated (as in cooking or baking), which is a real bonus. IT also does not leave any after taste that I have been able to detect.
It is the substitute that I prefer, for sure.

Blugirl,

Take a moment to review this thread...sure this will help answers some of your questions in regards to Stevia...

http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...ighlight=Stevia


Bonnie

Today I accidently put too much stevia in my flaxmeal porridge. Now I know why people think stevia is bitter. That was pretty awful. Anyway, the moral of the story is, you don't need very much stevia to get the sweetening power, and using too much is a really bad idea.

In a cup of strong coffee, I use less than 1/4 of an eighth of a teaspoon measure. (Yes, about a twenty-fourth of a tsp.) The place that sold me my first stevia told me that 1/4 teaspoon is equal to 1 cup of sugar in sweetening power. I find this varies depending on what you are sweetening, but start with less and taste. Used this way, I have never found it to be bitter. Chances are, you don't need to use as much as you think you do. One container lasts a long time for me and I use it a lot.