Stevia sweetener now legal in the EU/UK.

[NU_nutrition_TS]

I don't know if this has already been posted about - or how many here are aware - but in November of last year, the EU bureaucrats gave a green-light to the sale and use of stevia as a sweetener in all EU-member countries, including the UK.

An advert for the product has recently appeared on UK TV. I believe it is called Pure Via (in the ad I saw the other night). According to their website, this product will be available in supermarkets such as Sainsbury's, Morrision's, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose from January this year (2012).

Just wondering, now that this is legal, whether MP have any plans to introduce it as a sweetening agent in any of its products?

[Zeigler]

I've seen it for a month or two - its branded as 'Truvia' in sains, tescos etc and its sold and distributed by the 'Silver Spoon' company

Whats the general view on it from an optimal health perspective?

[James]

This is SUPERB news, stevia is used in Japan in all places that the western world use the 'deadly two', for instance, diet drinks etc; about time this was legalised... been waiting for a long while. That said, I will not be purchasing it, sweeteners can promote a sweet tooth and therefore, cravings.

[NU_nutrition_TS]

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What's the general view on it from an optimal health perspective?

Well, it would be hard to argue it has direct benefits for optimum health. From what research I have seen - and taking into account the anecdotal evidence of extended periods of use by certain populations - you could argue that it has minimal - if any - negative impact on health in general. Apparently it has no effect on serum glucose or insulin levels and many of its active constituents are supposed to 'pass straight through' just acting on the taste-buds (I assume!). There are some mentions of bitter after-taste or 'licorice' flavours associated with some versions. Another question that seems to be 'skirted' around in some products' info is exactly what other 'added ingredients' go into the blend? Most just say 'all natural ingredients' and leave it at that.

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That said, I will not be purchasing it, sweeteners can promote a sweet tooth and therefore, cravings.

This was my feeling too. However, it may be useful when having a 'cheat meal' of something that would normally be sugar-sweetened!

[James]

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There are some mentions of bitter after-taste or 'licorice' flavours associated with some versions

Diet Coke and a few other Japanese-only soft drinks (such as CALPIS - great name, I know!), have a slightly different taste than western versions, I actually prefer it... I'd say it is along the lines of a more 'natural' sweet taste, hard to explain, but it doesn't feel man-made - maybe all in my mind, but it did taste a little different, for the better.

[badly_dubbed]

any studies on its effect on insulin response?

[hailtotheking]

Now that this is legal, i would love to see MP stock this. Truth be told, i have been using it as my preferred choice for sweetener for years by buying it overses Its much better tasting then sucralose and very economical.

[NU_nutrition_TS]

@b_d: I'm sure, if you use Google Scholar or a PubMed search, you will find plenty. However, a word of caution:

Many of the studies, showing an association between various sweeteners (including stevia) and serum glucose/insulin excursions, were performed on animals - or on animal tissues in vitro - often co-administering large doses of glucose.

A review of all available in vivo research (including studies done on humans) have shown no such association. It is, therefore, yet another sobering example of how animal/in vitro studies can have spurious or misleading results that do not translate to humans in real-world conditions.

[Zeigler]

Its on offer in sainsburys at the moment by the way - £1.60 for 60 sachets (comes with a little fancy pouch as well....la-de-da!)

I've been using it for my first meal of the day which is pancakes atm, and then in a couple of cheescakes I've made and some PWO 'meals'. As James said, I dont want to make it a staple in my diet simply because I've done so well over the years to cut sweet things out....never had sugar in my coffee mind you, so its only being used for a couple of treats.

If you were to use full quantities for a cake or something, replacing sugar, it'd cost a hell of a lot!!

[hailtotheking]

For cake cooking its not hugely expensive because to get the same amount of sweetness as you would from sugar you only need a third of the amount of stevia