
FAQ
About Stevia
1. What is stevia?
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from Stevia rebaudiana, a green-leafed ancestral plant that grows in South America. The high content of steviol glycosides found within its leaves is what makes it so important.
2. What are steviol glycosides?
They are natural components present in stevia extract that give it its sweetening properties, highlighting stevioside and rebaudioside within this group.
3. Is the use of stevia extract approved?
The use of stevia extract has been approved by the following international organizations:
Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)
Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)
United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
4. What is stevia extract used for?
Steviol glucoside extracts have revolutionized the world food industry of sweeteners since they have many applications within the elaboration of beverages based on fruit and milk, desserts, yogurt, sweets, confectionery products, fruit products and dietary supplements among others. The extracts are suitable for cooking since they are thermostable, unlike some artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. However, they are not suitable for certain confectionery products such as those with chocolate or glaze since they lack emulsifying properties.
5. Does stevia extract have calories?
Stevia contributes zero calories to one’s diet and is the only natural sweetener totally safe for habitual and life consumption. It is also safe for those who are advised not to consume sugar, as is the case for diabetics and people who follow extended diets.
About NutraStevia
1. What is NutraStevia?
NutraStevia is a sweetener formulated on the base of 90% steviol glycosides, which are extracted from Stevia rebaudiana leaves.
2. Does NutraStevia contain sugar?
NutraStevia does not contain sugar. Its formula consists of stevia extract with 90% steviol glycosides and maltodextrin.
3. What is maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is a product obtained from corn starch. It is a white powder that is soluble in water and is of a neutral or slightly sweet flavor. It is used as a volume agent. Maltodextrin is easily digestible and does not elevate glycemic indexes.
4. Why do NutraStevia powdered sweeteners contain maltodextrin?
Maltodextrin is mixed with the sweetener as a carrier agent to achieve an easy and common dosage equivalent to sugar. This way, a simple and ideal dosage is achieved.
5. Are NutraStevia sweeteners suitable for people with diabetes mellitus?
NutraStevia sweeteners do not influence the necessary dose of insulin and can help people with diabetes follow their diet and reduce carbohydrates. Eating NutraStevia sweeteners instead of sugar is the first step in the daily control of diabetes. Keep in mind that maintaining a constant blood glucose level, eating a healthy diet, and exercising is of vital importance in successfully treating diabetes.
6. Do NutraStevia sweeteners cause tooth decay?
Unlike sugar, sweeteners do not produce fermentable carbohydrates or acids that damage teeth. That\'s why they do not cause cavities but reduce the risk of them appearing, thus naturally contributing to the dental healthcare of children and adults.
7. Are NutraStevia sweeteners suitable for vegans and those with gluten intolerance?
NutraStevia sweeteners do not contain wheat components, and their consumption is suitable for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, as well as vegans.
8. Do NutraStevia sweeteners contain allergens?
NutraStevia sweeteners do not contain allergens such as nuts, soy or potato starch.
9. What should you keep in mind when baking with NutraStevia sweeteners?
In general, when baking you have to take into account that sweeteners sweeten considerably more than sugar. This means that the required amount of sweetener is less than the indicated amount of sugar. On the other hand, sweeteners provide a dough that is inferior to that of one based on sugar; this can therefore influence the volume of doughs and fillings. In addition, sweeteners have no ability to bind dough, so they are not suitable for all types.
10. Does NutraStevia have the HACCP certification?
Yes, all NutraStevia products have the HACCP certification. This was achieved by meeting rigorous hygienic standards in the production processes.
11. Why is the HACCP certification important?
This certification allows NutraStevia to consolidate the necessary controls in obtaining a product that is hygienic and of high quality. This way, the company maintains its commitment and requirement to satisfy its customers in a safe and consistent manner.
12. How is NutraStevia different from other sweetener brands?
NutraStevia and its products are backed by a production process adapted to health regulations at a higher level, meeting all standards of food safety in production processes. For this reason, it has the only Stevia-based products with the HACCP certification in Peru.