Wholesome Sweeteners

Rated at 3/5 green leaves, the Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Stevia is a middle-of-the-road choice for those seeking cleaner food options. The product prides itself on being organic and non-GMO, which aligns with the preferences of health-conscious consumers. However, it does lose points for incorporating ingredients like added sugars and potentially harmful additives.

The ingredients list reveals organic erythritol and organic stevia extract as the sweetening agents. Both are recognized as sugar substitutes and are commonly used in food products aimed at reducing sugar intake. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with a negligible calorie count, while stevia extract is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant and is known for its no-calorie sweetness.

Despite the organic credentials, the presence of added sugars in the form of erythritol leads to a deduction in the product’s score. Although erythritol is a naturally occurring substance and often touted as a healthier alternative to conventional sugar, its classification as an added sugar affects the product’s overall rating.

Another concern is the inclusion of ‘natural flavors’ in the ingredients. The term ‘natural flavors’ covers a broad range of possible substances and, without more specific information, it can be unclear what exactly this entails. This lack of transparency results in a further deduction, as these flavors are often considered a gray area when it comes to health and safety.

Overall, Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Stevia delivers an option that meets some of the criteria for those avoiding traditional sweeteners and looking for organic products. It stands as an average choice, with its commendable features of being organic and non-GMO being somewhat overshadowed by the inclusion of added sugars and ambiguous natural flavors. Consumers seeking a cleaner food product will find this to be a moderate alternative, yet they might continue searching for options with fewer questions surrounding their additive content.