No sugarcoating here, WelleCo educator and nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin gives us the facts about this wellness staple sweetener. 

 

In the world of ingestible wellness, taste matters more than you might think. No matter how potent or nutrient-rich a product is, if it doesn’t taste good, chances are it’ll end up pushed to the back of the pantry with all the other expired supplements. One ingredient that plays a role in taste is stevia, a helpful yet sometimes overpowering sweetener you might find listed in the ‘ingredients’ section of your nearest supplement label. 

Loved by many for its natural origin and calorie-free sweetness, there’s no denying stevia is a go-to sweetener in the health industry. But how much is too much? To help us answer that question, we chat to WelleCo educator and nutritionist Zoe Bingley-Pullin who suggests that moderation may be the smarter approach when it comes to this popular plant-derived sweetener.

“Choosing a low-stevia greens powder is a smart move for those looking to support their health without overwhelming the palate or risking digestive discomfort. While stevia is a natural sweetener, high amounts can leave a bitter aftertaste and may not suit everyone’s gut. Keeping it low ensures you’re getting all the benefits of greens without compromising on taste or tolerance.” – Zoe Bingley-Pullin, Educator and Nutritionist.

What is stevia and why is it used?

Stevia is a plant-derived, calorie-free sweetener sourced from the Stevia rebaudiana leaf. Unlike sugar, it doesn’t contribute energy or kilojoules to the diet, which makes it appealing to people who want to reduce their sugar intake or follow low-sugar, low-carb, or plant-based diets.

“Stevia is used in health and wellness products to provide sweetness without the use of added sugars. It can help balance naturally strong or earthy-tasting ingredients such as greens, herbs, or botanicals,” explains Zoe. “In my clinic, I often discuss how taste plays a major role in product compliance. If something doesn’t taste good, most people simply won’t stick with it.”

This is where WelleCo’s Super Elixir™ stands out: its formulation includes less than 14 mg per serve of stevia compared to up to 150 mg found in some of our competitors. These numbers reflect a brand’s decisions which are rooted in palatability, digestibility and, most importantly, wellness.

“Some brands may use higher amounts of stevia to balance out stronger-tasting ingredients or compensate for artificial flavour profiles. However, excessive sweetness can lead to taste fatigue and reduce enjoyment,” she says. “In contrast, WelleCo’s Super Elixir™ uses just enough stevia to support the Elixir’s four flavour profiles (Original – Pineapple and Lime, Lemon and Ginger, Blood Orange and Mixed Berry). From my personal and professional experience, this lower amount helps make the Elixir more enjoyable, versatile, and easier to take consistently, especially when combined with other supplements.”

Less sweet can be sweeter

While stevia is often considered a healthier alternative to sugar, it can be an acquired taste, with many reporting that high doses of it leave a bitter or metallic aftertaste, particularly when combined with other powdered ingredients.

“From a practical standpoint, taste matters when it comes to consistency. Personally, I’ve found that stevia in higher amounts can have a bitter aftertaste. And when combining multiple powdered products, the sweetness can quickly become overwhelming,” says Bingley-Pullin. “That’s why formulations using stevia with care make all the difference when encouraging daily use.”

This is particularly important for people who take multiple daily supplements. A heavy hand with any sweetener, even a natural one, can dominate the flavour, making these supplements harder to consume (and, importantly, enjoy) over time.

“Subtlety and balance are key, and that’s where WelleCo really shines. There’s growing interest in naturally sourced, lower-intensity sweeteners. Consumers are seeking subtle, balanced flavours that feel natural and support their lifestyle goals,” she says.

Is stevia right for everyone?

While stevia may be suitable for those reducing sugar, watching kilojoule intake, or preferring plant-based ingredients, it’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution. Given we are all unique, gut sensitivity and taste preferences vary greatly from person to person.

“Whether stevia is preferable to sugar depends on the individual’s needs, taste preferences, and overall dietary patterns,” Bingley-Pullin notes. “From my own experience, products with excessive stevia can leave a bitter finish, especially when used alongside other powdered supplements.”

That’s why a gentle approach to stevia matters and why WelleCo takes this path. By choosing a smaller amount, we allow the natural botanicals and functional ingredients in our greens to shine, without overpowering the palate.

“Taste is a huge driver of compliance. It doesn’t matter how good a formulation is, if it’s not pleasant to take, people are unlikely to continue using it. What I’ve found with the WelleCo collection is that the taste is genuinely enjoyable, balanced and not overly sweet. It’s the kind of product that fits naturally into a daily routine and helps support a healthy lifestyle through consistency and ease of use.”

‘But what if I don’t want stevia in my greens?’

WelleCo’s super greens collection also features an Unflavoured blend. This comes complete without any stevia and is an increasingly popular choice among our growing WelleCommunity. Another added benefit of this blend is that it can be added to meals and snacks with all the nutritional benefits and zero taste. 

In closing.

Stevia has a place in wellness, but like most things, balance is everything. A little stevia can go a long way, especially when the goal is a high-quality, enjoyable product you can stick with, day after day.

WelleCo’s approach of using ‘just enough’ stevia makes it a solid option when trying to avoid the heavy-handed sweetness found in many greens powders globally. It’s a formula that respects both your goals and your taste buds, making it the next best choice for you and your wellness journey.  

The information in this article is not intended to be taken as medical advice. We recommend consulting your primary healthcare professional before making any changes to your supplementary routine.