While I was in Aruba I won Jennifer of Knack for Nutrition’s giveaway for NuNatuals Stevia.
I adore stevia. But, I never used to like it. In fact, I thought it tasted kinda awful.
I was, however, using other brands and that was one issue. Bad stevia is really bad!
But, stevia is one of those foods or items that has really grown on me and now I can’t imagine my life without it! I have an entire post dedicated to my Stevia Recipes
I use these drops in everything.
Especially in Vanilla Iced Coffees or just in coffee in general.
I brought down a couple bottles of my beloved Vanilla Stevia Drops to Aruba.
I buy the vanilla stevia drops from iHerb.com because they have the best prices on them. Use coupon code AVE630 at checkout to save $5 on your order and never pay retail price again on everything from nutritional yeast to protein powder to vitamins to stevia.
I love stevia so much that I traveled down to Aruba with a suitcase full of white powder. Try explaining that one to Customs. Seriously, I’ve done it many times and there’s never been an issue. The only issue is I usually underestimate how much I will go through and wish I had brought a bit more!
The stevia was buried underneath the chocolate chips.
Speaking of chocolate chips, Enjoy Life Foods sent me some of their Double Chocolate Crunch Granola and their Semi-Sweet Mega Chocolate Chunks
I love that their products are free from so many allergens (nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, kosher) and that tastes is not compromised. The granola I tried is chocolatey and definitely crunchy. I tend to prefer chewier granola in general like this one. Just my own little personal preference. But chocolate anything is music to my ears and this was tasty.
I love these!
Normally I don’t splurge on allergen-friendly chocolate because rumor has it TJ’s chocolate chips are dairy free, vegan, and gluten free (even though they are not labeled as such and are not tested like the Enjoy Life products are nor are they processed on special equipment), but it’s what I usually buy because at $1.99/bag, I can’t beat it. Unless Enjoy Life wants to send me more Chunks. Love em!
I think I will make up a batch of No Bake Vanilla Cake Batter Chocolate Truffles with the chunks to be used for melty dippage for the cake batter portion of the truffles.
Or maybe just put chunks into
No Bake Toffee & Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bites
My last post Quickly, Grateful was a speed-blogging special. I was on the fly but not too busy to be grateful. Even for some silly things.
Questions:
1. Do you like stevia?
As I said in the post, I adore stevia now, but I never used to like it. In fact, I thought it tasted kinda awful and chemically!
I was, however, using other brands and that was one issue. Of all the brands I’ve tried, NuNaturals is my favorite however there are others like flavored SweetLeaf brand stevia drops that are quite good, too.
Stevia is one of those foods or items that has really grown on me and now I can’t imagine my life without it!
I also like real sugar (brown and white), agave, honey, dates, and other sweeteners, too. You can read my thoughts on “healthifying” desserts, and why I take no great pleasure in that. So stevia is just one tool in my toolbox. But it’s a great one!
2. Do you like chocolate?
Silly question, right? I know there are a few people who are just meh about chocolate. <–who are you people if that’s really the case. I’ve only “heard” of people like this.
I love chocolate.
See my Chocolate Recipes compilation if you need proof!
Including Raw Vegan Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Cookies (you can bake them in the oven or dehydrate them)
P.S. Thanks for the entries on the Coconut Oil Giveaway. Keep ’em coming!
I have never tried stevia, no one around me really has it, but I absolutely ADORE chocolate :)
I know this is sorta unheard of in Blog World, but I’ve never tried stevia before. My family members are huge Splenda junkies so whenever I want some low-cal sweetening I just use that. Is Stevia really that much better for you than Splenda if I only use about 2 packets a day? I’m curious!
Have a great day! :-D
Do you research and do what works for YOU! I use Splenda sometimes too. But if I have my choice, I prefer stevia. Everything in life is a balancing act and we all do what we can as best we can and just do what you feel comfortable with.
When I was introduced to stevia (years ago) I promised myself I would NEVER, EVER use it again. It was SO awful. Problem was, I was using it like sugar, way too much! In school, we learned how fantastic it was, so I gave it another try. Over time, I’ve learned that less is more. Just a drop’ll do ya!
yes just a TINY bit…
until you build up a tolerance and can use more and more :)
Chocolate—always! Stevia—sometimes. I am still getting used to the flavor. I have found that it really works best in liquids and not so much raw cookies or baked things. I can’t even describe the flavor if too much is used, but it’s a little off! I have started using flavored stevia drops in tea and coffee and it’s worked out pretty good!
I love NuNaturals and the vanilla drops go in just about everything! The extract is great in coffee too! I’m not really a chocolate lover, but every once in a while I get the need for some!
I’m a big stevia fan too! It took me a while– but once I discovered NuNaturals, I was hooked!
Averie or anyone else, which Stevia product do you use for baking? I really want to give it a shot. Thanks :)
I use the vanilla drops in baked goods, but use less sugar. NuNaturals has some baking blends too that you can use cup for cup in place of sugar. They do have a flavor to them, just so you know before you get in to it. You might want to go half and half on it to begin with, just to get used to it.
There are sooooo many different types of baking blends, no carb blends, some that have more “volume” by weight so they are more like the same volume and sweetness than sugar is…just research them all and see what sounds like the best fit for your needs.
I am a big fan of the NuNaturals Stevia period. I just ran out of my liquid vanilla (insert curse words). As for chocolate, not a fan at all. I think I’m one of the only women on earth not a fan of chocolate LOL
Love receiving goodies in the mail! I’ve never used stevia before, but I definitely think it’s a great option as a sweetener. So many sweeteners are basically artificial “junk,” but stevia offers something different and, from what I’ve heard, tastes pretty darn good!
I’ve never been a big chocolate fan… I know, crazy! ;) Although I’ll enjoy it in foods, I’m not one to say yes to a plain chocolate bar. It’s just too much for me! I actually prefer white chocolate.
chocolate is my middle name ;)
I just recently tried NuNaturals vanilla stevia drops and I’ve been loving it in my coffee! I haven’t had the chance to try it out in baking yet. I was afraid it might give baked goods that artificial-ish taste.
Stevia is my favorite favorite thing. One time though a dietitician referred to it as an “artificial sweetener” and advised people stay from it. Excuse me??
That brand of stevia is definitely the best!
Love stevia. Love chocolate. :D
Haha, “ma’am, what are you doing with white powder in your suitcase”?! ;)
Those chocolate truffles look AMAZING!!
Even though I’ve always HATED stevia in the past, you’ve never led me wrong when it comes to food, so I trusted your recommendation for the NuNaturals liquid vanilla stevia. And I LIKE IT! I’ve been using the drops in my coffee and tea.
However, it’s a bit pricey to use in smoothies and desserts where I need larger amounts, so I guess it’s time to give their powder a try. I’m going to start with the smallest box of packets.
Ok the pressure was on with that one and glad it’s a hit :)
I love stevia but I LOVE chocolate more the darker the better! x x
I love chocolate and I really want to try those chunks! I saw them on Spabettie’s blog (I think) — and I want them!
Stevia — I finally have some to use at home and I love the NuNaturals so far!