Pure Via™, from the Whole Earth Sweetener Company, is a new, zero calorie alternative to sugar. It’s made using a sweetening ingredient which has been extracted from the Stevia plant, to provide a natural sweetness which closely resembles sugar.The Pure Via range consists of sugar cubes, sachets and granulated.
Pure Via™ Sugar Cubes
One box contains 65 cubes. They're a bit smaller than regular sugar cubes but have the look and feel of the real thing. Each cube is equal to the sweetness of one regular sugar cube. However, Pure Via cubes have zero calories compared with 20 calories for a regular sugar cube. They’re ideal for using in hot drinks.
Ingredients: Bulking agent: Erythritol , Sweetener: Steviol Glycosides, Anti-Caking Agent (Cellulose Powder), Natural Flavourings. Suitable for vegetarians and diabetics (when used as part of a balanced eating plan. 2.4 calories per 100g.
Pure Via™ Sachets A packet contains 40 sachets/sticks and are worth zero calories each. The sachets are perfect to carry around with you for those times where low calorie sweeteners aren’t available.
Ingredients: Bulking Agent: Erythritol, Sweetener: Steviol Glycosides, Anti-Caking Agent (Cellulose Powder), Natural Flavourings. 2.84 calories per 100g.
Pure Via™ Granulated
The granulated form of Pure Via comes in an 80g box. This is ideal for using as a general table top sweetener, cooking and baking. But it’s also suitable for use in hot drinks. Each teaspoon (0.5g) has two calories and equals one teaspoon of sugar in sweetness.
Ingredients: Bulking agent: Maltodextrin, sweetener: steviol glycosides, natural flavourings. Suitable for vegetarians and diabetics (when used as part of a balanced eating plan). 376 calories per 100g.
Quick Review
Many people have concerns about using artificial sweeteners in place of regular sugar. The Pure Via range appears to offer a natural, low calorie alternative sweetener to sugar. Providing three different forms of the sweetener is a good idea, especially the cubes, as there is little competition among other sweeteners in this area.
As yet, there isn’t a variety in tablet form. Since this is a common and convenient way of dispensing sweeteners, perhaps there will be one in the future.
Tastewise, Pure Via certainly provides enough sweetness. After using the sweetener in cups of tea and coffee, I’ve been able to reduce how much I use (and I have a very sweet tooth). It does take a little getting used to. However, this is true with anything you use instead of sugar, whether it’s artificial, or a sugar substitute such as honey or agave nectar. They all have their own unique taste.
Pure Via is a welcome addition to the world of low calorie sweeteners. However, it is expensive. Those who get through lots of sweeteners during the day could find using Pure Via rather costly. But if artificial sweeteners are a cause for concern, and you don’t want the calories of sugar, then Pure Via is a great choice.
Pure Via is widely available in major supermarkets including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose and ASDA.
‘At the Whole Earth Sweetener Company we are dedicated to bringing you and your family natural ways to enjoy a sweet, healthy lifestyle.’
About Pure Via from the box:
'Pure Via, low calorie sweetener made with extracts of the Stevia plant. Originally native to Paraguay, Stevia has been used for centuries in South America and more recently in Asia as a sweetener. It delivers delicious sweetness without calories.'
For more information on the Stevia plant visit: Stevia.com
Update 2016: I'm sorry to say that Pure Via isn't available in the UK or Ireland any more. It looks like Truvia won the Stevia battle for UK territory. You can find Pure Via in France though!
© Diets and Calories 2012
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