No, stevia does not lose its sweetness over time if stored properly. It has a long shelf life and is stable at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking. While some users report a change in perceived sweetness after prolonged consumption, this is often attributed to tastebud adaptation rather than actual loss of sweetness in the product itself.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Stability:
Stevia is known for its stability, meaning it doesn't readily degrade or lose its sweetness over time, even when exposed to heat.
Shelf Life:
Most commercially produced stevia products have a long shelf life, often lasting for years when stored properly.
Taste Bud Adaptation:
Some individuals report needing to use more stevia over time to achieve the same level of sweetness. This is likely due to taste bud adaptation to the sweetness rather than the stevia itself losing its potency.
Potential for Bitterness:
Stevia can have a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste, particularly at higher concentrations. This is a separate issue from the sweetness and may be more noticeable to some individuals over time.
Proper Storage:
To ensure optimal quality and longevity, it's best to store stevia in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
Poster Comment:
The reason I asked that question is because I had to open a new 8 oz. (1/2 lb.) bag the other day, same brand. A half lb. lasts a looong time, years. I use a scant 1/4 tsp. in a pot of tea and a scant 1/2 tsp. in unsweetened Kool-Aid to replace the 1 cup of granulated sugar recommended.
I dunno, this last pot of black tea is almost sickly sweet with the same scant 1/4 tsp. Maybe the density of the powder varies or something. Weird.
#1: Esso To: Horse, 4um (#0)
I made another pot of tea this morning, an 1/8th of a teaspoon was plenty, if not too much. I'm a Yankee, I don't like my tea too sweet.
I got into Kim's Kool-Aid, It's way too sweet. I'm gonna cut the amount in half, maybe to a scant 1/4 tsp.
That's gotta be it. The powder is very fine, but this new batch seems like it packs down, like brown sugar.
FWIW my teapot is a SS Coleman camping coffee pot, just a RCH over three quarts. A couple years ago, I went from four teabags to three. I have a hard time sleeping with the pain from my injuries, I thought cutting down on the caffeine might be a good idea.
My physician, Dr. Horse, recommends very little sugar consumption, if any. That's why I use stevia. I try to achieve zero HFCS use. That stuff is orders of magnitude worse than cane sugar due to the way your body deals with it.
(Edit) I try to look out for Kim's diet when she's here, she's not dumb by any stretch of the imagination, but she's no Horse. She bound by gov't and hospital group dogma. That's a shame.
I should have her steal me some sutures if I hurt myself again at night. She could give me 4 stitches cheaper than $16,000 at the ER for 10 minutes work. If I can see it, I could do it myself.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 16:58:28 Reply Private Reply
#2: Esso To: Dakmar, 4um (#1)
A revised version of David Bowie's Space Oddity, recorded by Commander Chris Hadfield on board the International Space Station.
I must've said something unapproved on X. My computer did a high temperature shutdown.
DAMN YOU, ELON MUSK!!!
Just kidding, somebody at Langley is watching my keystroke logger and phone.
(Edit) There was some weird news story running in the background that didn't show up in task view. Took two whacks to delete it during restore. I'm probably due for another swatting, it's been awhile.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 18:28:47 Reply Private Reply
#3: Esso To: All (#2)
I forgot to get another box of frozen White Castle burgers today. Those are good when me and Doc have a case of the "Sunday Flu." Five minutes from her asking to being served in bed.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 19:21:07 Reply Private Reply
#4: Esso To: Dakmar, 4um (#2)
I wonder how long he'd been up there. The vid is 12+ years old.
He seems very thin, I wonder how long he was up there?
The description was lacking details.
I'm sendin' you up, Dak.
Some cool 15,000 mph photography. Almost as fast as my Clown Car.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 19:50:14 Reply Private Reply
#5: Esso To: All (#4)
When my ex-wife came to get me for Angie's "Celebration of Life" she asked if I needed my cane.
Not many people are privy to seeing that, certainly not that day.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 20:16:36 Reply Private Reply
#6: Esso To: All (#5)
Of course the cops took me into custody and I ended up at the Park Center (Kimmy's group) loony bin the next morning.
It was like a cruise ship during my 48 hour stay. Three luxurious buffets a day, no locked doors, I was so mad when they kicked me out.
I met a great gal in there, she was smart, cute and loved to talk, but she was nuts.
When I was released, she came to wish me well. I went to shake her hand and she recoiled like you wouldn't believe.
I could've fixed her if they didn't make Marla come get me.
Dr. Kimmy needs that vacation with me, but she'd lose her job. My Company shrink is probably lone gone. She got me squared away after that Beirut wing-ding in 83.
Esso posted on 2025-08-12 20:44:54 Reply Private Reply