Friday, January 3, 2014

What's in YOUR Stevia?

This morning I decided that it was time I finally did a "stevia post". I know there are many new folks just beginning their search for suitable products as they clean out their pantries to remove wheat, grains and sugar from their diets. For many, many, years now...after trying almost every brand of stevia, I settled on NuNaturals pure stevia (both liquid and powdered versions). I preferred their alcohol free liquid drops. It was non-bitter and the most pleasant tasting. When I re-ordered it recently, I was very disappointed by how it tasted and it wasn't the usual clear color like before...it had a light yellow-ish cast to it and it didn't taste good. I initially assumed that I had received a bad batch. Fortunately, I still had some of the original version left so I could compare it side by side. I had planned to return it, since it was bad, but decided to turn to the internet (which as many of you know can be a good thing or a bad thing sometimes). What I found was a few other comments about a change in their formula. So, I contacted the company and they were very nice. They admitted that yes, they had changed their formula because they could no longer get stevia from their original source. I was quite disappointed. I am currently still using an old bottle of the NuNaturals pure powdered version but know that once it is gone...I will again be on a search. They have a new product that I plan to try, but I do not care for their version I used exclusively for so long.

So, back to my quest on the internet for the best "non-bitter" tasting stevia. Other than finding raves about NuNaturals (the original version), I kept coming up with KAL. The more I read and researched the more unclear it became because I stumbled on a few comments about KAL's version being recently changed and not good, too. I had recently received several private messages from folks questioning me about whether it comes from China. On my internet quest, I found a few remarks of people saying the same thing....that KAL was labeled a "Product of China" and contained maltodextrin (sugar). On most of those comments there would be someone else that would counter that remark and swear it wasn't labeled that on their bottle. So, I checked some of the other bloggers that I know use stevia, too, and I still hadn't seen any confirming remarks about KAL (I did see a couple comment on NuNaturals). Since I was on a personal journey for a new kind of stevia, I went ahead and ordered 2 bottles of KAL "pure stevia" since a fellow blogger that uses it exclusively seems to love it. I ordered the KAL 3.5-ounce powdered extract that comes with a little scoop. The other was KAL's 2-ounce bottle of liquid pure stevia drops...I was excited to get it today and hopefully end my stevia journey once and for all. I actually awoke this morning to the rattling of the UPS truck and was excited. Well, I received my answer...just not the one I wanted to see/hear. BOTH versions contain maltodextrin (it is written as clear as day on the label)...AND, the powdered version is clearly labeled "Product of China". Now, maybe that doesn't bother some people...but it really bothers me...a LOT. To me, "pure stevia" means..."nothing but stevia". But, obviously, to these companies, "pure stevia" means that the stevia they add to the other ingredients is pure.  What, WHAT??? My smiley face turned upside down in a flash.

Since there are many new people just beginning their Wheat Belly journeys and other plans here at the new year...I wanted to spare you the waste of time and money (as most of you know, this stuff is not cheap). Now, if "maltodextrin" and "Product of China" doesn't bother you...then maybe this product is for you. I will be returning both of my products, unopened. So...for those of you that wonder if what you might have heard is correct...a picture says a thousand words. For those of you that might have recently received some that doesn't have that on the label...you are lucky to have received the previous original version that was still in inventory. This post is simply a "buyer beware". Personally, if these companies are adding a type of sugar to a product that many are using to try and AVOID it, why not be upfront about it so consumers know before they purchase it. We as consumers shouldn't find out about it after we have purchased it. Order at your own risk...you have been warned. Okay...my rant is over. Now...since pictures are worth a thousand words....see below...my search for a good tasting SAFE stevia continues. If anyone has ANY recommendations on a good tasting stevia (and I have tried most of them)...please share. Enjoy!   RANT OVER!

***Update: I just spoke with the company, Neutraceutical, that manufactures KAL stevia. They confirmed that they now add maltodextrin to their stevia products both to help keep it from "sticking to the machinery" and to "sweeten it". They also said that it has ALWAYS been a product of China but they are now required to label it as such. If you have further questions about the product, you can contact them at: 1-800-277-1660 (press #1 for product info). 






18 comments:

eastwood2007 said...

Hmmm...bummer...I had just purchased this on Amazon based on your recommendation. I'll have to check my label. Thankfully I hadn't yet opened it. Why do people have to keep messin' with stuff! :( It's amazing to me how closely we have to check EVERYTHING!

Thanks for the heads-up!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Did you purchase the NuNaturals or the KAL? This was my first experience with KAL. However, I was a NuNaturals lover for many, many years -- their "new formula" doesn't claim maltodextrin or product of China...it just doesn't taste good. :-(

Roye said...

Oh WOW, I so hate hearing this! I've been using KAL powder and NuNaturals liquid Stevia for months. I did just recently purchase a new NuNaturals Stevia and noticed it didn't seem as sweet as before? I didn't notice a taste or color difference but there may be, I don't have the old bottle to compare. I did look at my container of KAL and it must be an old batch because where it says : Other ingredients it says "None". And there is no "From China" on the label. I'm depressed now because like you, when mine run out I don't know what to buy. I hope we find another source. Thank you GG for keeping on top of this for us. It is very disappointing!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi Roye...my old bottle (original version) had a "best by date of 10-2017" on it -- my new bottle (new formula) has a "Exp 6-2018" date on it. Since I had both left -- I squeezed them side by side into plain white Greek yogurt -- one was colorless, the other a yellowish tinge -- they not only tasted different but looked different as well. Sooooooo disappointing -- but the NuNaturals doesn't claim maltodextrin or Product of China like the KAL newer formula.

Anonymous said...

I hate to find that food I purchase comes from China. I was in Sam's this week and was going to buy garlic power but there it was--Made in China. I was looking to make sure there wasn't any starch added and found the "made in" statement.

Hate it! I haven't been able to find any stevia yet in the store that doesn't have something suspect.

But thanks to you, I have Swerve.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks, Anonymous! It is unbelievable about all the products we are finding out are made in China. I hope you are enjoying Swerve...and am praying they NEVER change their formula or you will find me crying buckets of tears! ;-)

Peg said...

This is very distressing news! I just checked the label of the NuNaturals liquid Stevia I have and don't see additional ingredients. I do have to say that the one I bought a couple of months ago has soured me on NuNaturals--it is so thick and goopy that I really don't like it at all! So based on that and your new info I won't be buying it again.

I also have a nearly empty bottle of liquid Kal and it seems to be OK. I also have the Kal powder which also seems to be fine.

Sigh--I won't be purchasing either in the future.

Which just goes to prove--READ THOSE LABELS as things do change!

Over 60 and counting ... said...

Awwww, man! I have the NuNatural and my bottle is getting low. My heart sunk at reading this. Thank you so much for the heads up. China products are so tainted and inferior. I guess it's time to grow our own Stevia and process it, or find another source. I love you, Gourmet Girl and your recipes, your energy and thoughtfulness.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi Peg -- It is disappointing, isn't it! I had used NuNaturals for many years and loved it. I tried so many other versions over the years and just didn't care for them. I was so very disappointed to find out they had changed their formula -- but they didn't add maltodextrin -- they simply had to change their stevia source (and it wasn't for the better). I was really hoping that KAL would have been my "new favorite"...sadly that won't be happening either. I packaged it back up and shipped it back this afternoon. At least you have a supply left of the original formula just like I have a supply of the NuNaturals original powder. I hope I find another stevia to replace those before my supply is exhausted. I didn't want anyone else to waste money ordering the newer versions. I don't have a problem spending money for a good product...but I do have a problem spending money for one that isn't and I still wonder why they don't post that in their description before you order it. Seems to be dishonest to me. Oh well...the stevia search continues! :-)

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi "over 60" -- the NuNaturals isn't the one labeled "from China" -- it's the KAL that is. But, NuNaturals changed their formula and I don't care for it -- it was my absolute favorite. That's why I decided to try KAL -- and I won't be trying it after seeing the China label and maltodextrin added as an ingredient -- I shipped them back this afternoon. So disappointing. I wish I could find a supply of the NuNaturals original formula somewhere -- I would buy it all! :-)

unter der laterne said...

Hi GG, remember when my produce lady told me that Safeway's garlic came from China, although the biggest producer of garlic is right here an hour away from SF! I was so shocked, also there was no alert to the fact that it was not from *Gilroy* the Garlic Capital !
Citric Acid also is produced in China. It is not only upsetting but scary too.

I have excellent stevia , it is called *NOW*, BETTER STEVIA GLYCERITE ALCOHOL FREE.* Liquid of course. It comes in a plastic bottle , unfortunately! Since I keep everything lol , I had a small glass bottle at hand and poured the Stevia into it.
I wanted to ask you if you own a tortilla press. I ordered one , it is called Cucinapro Tortilla and Flatbread maker, for me a necessity although I really have no more room for anything in my kitchen.I hope that it is of good quality! I want to make your lasagne, it looks so inviting ! Are we not lucky that we are allowed to eat wonderful cheeses?
My post is so unstructured, not enough sleep! Bis bald Barbara.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi Barbara! Yes, I do remember you told me about the garlic at Safeway coming from China. For you to live so close to the "garlic capital" and have garlic from China sold at your local grocery store is totally insane. We can't make any assumptions any more or use logic it seems. Is the garlic from China that much cheaper even after shipping it around the world? Thanks for the stevia tip. I actually tried that kind 1-1/2 years ago (it's still in my pantry). I didn't care for it at the time, but maybe I need to try it again since it appears that the pickings are getting slim. I do wonder though if it is just a matter of time before they all go that direction. I always keep stevia at both my home and office for yogurt. During the week I only add a dash of cinnamon and stevia to plain Greek yogurt for my breakfast. Adding any fruit to it is left for a "weekend treat". No, I don't have a tortilla maker -- I looked at them a while ago and almost ordered one...but I am going to need to dig myself a basement or move if I don't stop buying kitchen stuff...LOL. Or, maybe they will start a new program on TV with me as the star...called "kitchen hoarders"...haha! Hope you are doing well. :-)

unter der laterne said...

Another worrisome trend in the future is shipping our poultry to China for processing! Of course it will not have an effect on our grain-free community but the rest of the country and even my family (not grain-free).Could write a book about the struggle and frustration to bring them on board to my diet. What is a mother to do? LOL.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi Barbara -- I hate to hear or think of poultry going to China for processing!!! I just don't understand that whatsoever. About getting your family to come on board (with the grain-free lifestyle)...once you've figured out how to do that...let me know, too! This mother just keeps trying to lead by example...but there are other stronger forces at work it seems! ;-)

Andi said...

I have bought the NOW Stevia Glycerite also as it has no other added ingredients and is made in the USA.
Thank you Gourmet Girl for your wonderful recipes - I have not tried a recipe that I haven't liked!

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Thanks for the tip, Andi...and thank you for the kind words as well. I'm happy you are enjoying my recipes. :-)

Pattie said...

Just going through some blog posts that I missed and saw yours. I just wondered the same thing about my NuStevia and the color. I didn't really notice a taste difference, but I only use it in coffee and I've been making the Bullet Proof coffee, so that probably disguise it with the butter and coconut oil. I also have a bottle of the NOW stevia. I think Maria Emmerich ( www. mariamindbodyhealth.blogspot.com) recommended that. Have you emailed her to see what she thinks? She's usually pretty up on thins like that. I have two bottles of the NuNaturals in my pantry and I'll use them up and then look around. Mine don't have any mention of China on them.

Gourmet Girl Cooks said...

Hi Pattie -- It is the KAL that is labeled in China (NuNaturals changed their stevia source). I have tried the NOW recommended by Maria and did not care for it (tried it when I first began). Nothing compared to NuNaturals original formula for me and was very upset when they changed it which is what sent me looking at KAL -- I was appalled that they not only label their bottles "China" -- but said they have always been from there and just now are required to label it that way. They also snuck maltodextrin into it without disclosing that in their description of the product. I'm afraid that most of the other stevia brands will follow because there is definitely change going on in the stevia world -- when the 2 best tasting stevia brands change a good thing....something smells in Denmark (to me). :-)