Sugar Free Sweet Tea with Stevia and Xylitol

Summer is synonymous with sunshine, barbeques, and refreshing drinks. And what’s more refreshing than a tall glass of homemade sweet tea? But for those watching their sugar intake, a traditional glass of sweet tea can be a no-go.

This post will show you how to make delicious sugar-free sweet tea using Xylitol and Stevia, a healthier alternative that won’t compromise on taste!

Sweet Tea with Stevia

Stevia offers sweet tea lovers a delightful way to enjoy this favorite summer drink without all the sugar. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is a natural sugar substitute derived from the stevia plant.

It allows you to ditch the store-bought reduced sugar iced tea mixes laden with artificial ingredients. Whether you’re following a low-sugar diet or simply looking to cut back, brewing your own sugar-free sweet tea with stevia and xylitol is a fantastic option.

Sweetening Your Tea: Xylitol and Stevia

This recipe uses a combination of Xylitol and Stevia for a balanced sweetness that mimics sugar.

• Xylitol: A sugar alcohol with a sweetness level similar to sugar, but with fewer calories. It’s important to note that Xylitol can be toxic to dogs, so be mindful if you have furry friends around.
• Stevia: A natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Stevia is incredibly sweet, so you only need a small amount. Different brands of Stevia can vary in taste, so start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.

Pro Tip: If you prefer to avoid Xylitol, you can just use powdered stevia.

Ingredients

• TEA BAGS: 8 individual-sized green tea or black tea bags (or 4 family size tea bags)
• XYLITOL: ½ cup Xylitol (Birchbark Xylitol recommended)
• STEVIA: 1 teaspoon Stevia powder
• MINT: Mint leaves (optional)
• LEMON: For a hint of sweetness and a refreshing citrus twist, include some lemon slices or a squeeze of lemon juice.

How to Make Sweet Tea with Stevia and Xylitol

Craving a refreshing twist on classic sweet tea? Here is how to ditch the sugar with this recipe using natural sweeteners, stevia, and xylitol:

1. BOIL WATER: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a pot on the stovetop.
2. ADD TEA BAGS: Remove the pot from heat and add the tea bags. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes.
3. SWEETEN AND DILUTE: Remove the tea bags and stir in the Xylitol and Stevia until completely dissolved. Pour the tea into a gallon-sized pitcher and fill the rest with cold water.
4. CHILL AND ENJOY: Refrigerate until chilled or serve over ice for a refreshing glass of sugar-free sweet tea.

How Much Stevia for a Gallon of Sweet Tea?

The amount of stevia you’ll need for a gallon of sweet tea depends on the stevia brand and your desired sweetness level. Here’s a guide to get you started:

• Starting point: Begin with 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia per gallon of tea.
• Stevia variations: Since stevia brands can differ in sweetness, you might need to adjust the amount based on the specific brand you use.
• Taste test and adjust: Add the stevia to your brewed tea and taste. Gradually add more stevia in small quantities until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

FAQs

How to Store Sweet Tea Made with Stevia? Store your homemade sweet tea in an easy-to-open canister in the refrigerator for a cool and delicious beverage on those hot summer days.