How to Choose Stevia in Australia: Powder or Drops
More on: Supplement Buyer's Guides · Stevia Guides
Knowing how to choose stevia matters because most "stevia" on the supermarket shelf is mostly something else. The ingredient list tells you which kind you are buying.
Short answer: check that steviol glycosides are the main ingredient, look for no bulking agents, and choose powder for baking or drops for drinks. Our picks are Propel Health Organic Stevia Powder (organic, over 95% steviol glycosides, nothing added) and Propel Health Stevia Drops for coffee and tea.
How to choose stevia: what the ingredient list tells you
1. Is stevia the main ingredient?
Many spoonable stevia products are mostly erythritol, dextrose or maltodextrin, with a small amount of stevia added. That is why they measure like sugar. Pure stevia extract is far sweeter, so a pinch does the job.
2. Purity
Good extracts state the steviol glycoside percentage. Above 95% means very little else is in the powder.
3. Organic leaf
If organic matters to you, check that the stevia leaf, not just a carrier, is organic.
4. Powder or drops?
Powder suits baking, cooking and big batches. Drops are faster in a single cup of coffee or tea and easier to measure in small amounts.
How ours measure up
| What to check | Organic Stevia Powder | Stevia Drops |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Organic stevia leaf extract, steviol glycosides over 95% | Steviol glycosides from organic stevia leaf, in purified water |
| Bulking agents | None | None |
| Energy | 0 kJ per serve | 0 kJ per serve |
| Serve | 300 mg (1/10 teaspoon) | 0.16 ml (4 drops) |
| Serves per pack | 333 in 100 g | 280 in 45 ml |
| Other ingredients | None | Potassium sorbate, chromium picolinate (included as a trace element), citric acid |
| Origin | Product of China, packed in Australia | Packed in Australia from at least 93% Australian ingredients |
Our pick for baking: Organic Stevia Powder
Use a very small amount: one serve is a tenth of a teaspoon. A 100 g pack holds 333 serves, so it lasts a long time. It is plant based, non GMO and all natural.
Buy organic stevia powder in Australia
Our pick for drinks: Stevia Drops
Add 4 to 6 drops to a drink or food. Shake well, and refrigerate after opening. Zero calories, no added sugar.
Frequently asked questions
Why does pure stevia taste bitter in large amounts?
Because it is so concentrated. Start with less than you think and add more.
Can I bake with stevia powder?
Yes, but it gives sweetness without bulk, so recipes that rely on sugar for volume need adjusting.
How long do stevia drops last once opened?
Keep them in the fridge after opening and shake before use.
More on how people use it: stevia powder uses.
About the author
Grant Jenkins is a director of Propel Health Australia, which packs its range in Brendale, Queensland, under a food licence. He wrote this guide from our own printed labels, so every figure quoted for our product is the figure on the pack.
Disclaimer
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Propel Health Australia products are foods, not therapeutic goods, and nothing here is intended to diagnose or address any health condition. Figures are taken from our current labels and may change with a new batch or print run. Speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
