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Truvia: A Sweet Alternative to Sugar

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OSU chapter.



Most of us here at HC OSU strive to lead balanced diets—but, of course, it’s a lifestyle that takes work.  Especially when you’re living on a college campus and the holidays are coming up (and there are pumpkin-flavored treats everywhere!), it can often be quite frustrating to maintain.  This is where Truvia®comes in. 
 
Truvia® is an all-natural, zero calorie sweetener made with rebiana, which is a part of the stevia leaf.  It tastes just like sugar and can be used as a direct substitute—and, it’s a much healthier option than artificial sugar.  Even diabetics can enjoy Truvia®, as it does not affect your glycemic index! 
 

You can even bake and cook with it.  One packet of Truvia®is equal to two teaspoons of sugar, so it is easy to convert for a recipe.  But, if you’re not into baking, or are just always on the go, don’t worry!  You can grab some Truvia®right on campus in our Barnes & Noble Starbucks café by the Gateway.  Even better, you can also buy Truvia®at Kroger, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart and Target.  That means you can pick up something healthy along with all of your other errands!
 
Still a little hesitant to try Truvia®?  Well, you probably already have!  Truvia® is one of the ingredients used in products you know and love, including Glaceau vitaminwater10™ and vitaminwater zero™, Kraft Crystal Light Pure, Powerade Play™, Minute Maid Premium® Pomegranate Tea, YoCrunch® 100 Calorie Packs, and even in Dippin’ Dots© Chillz™.
 
Truvia® is also college-budget-friendly.  Boxes of 40 packets cost only $3.99, a box of 80 costs just $6.49 and a box of 140 is only $10.99.  If you’re looking to use it for baking, you can also purchase Truvia® in its spoonable version for only $6.99 (the equivalent amount in the 80 packet version). 
 
Truvia® is the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your life without any extra calories—so why not give it a try?  From pumpkin pancakes (check out Truvia’s® delicious recipe on the next page) to brownies, there is a way to use Truvia® for everyone.
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Pumpkin Pancake Recipe


2 cups all purpose flour
1 tbsp + ½ tsp Truvia® natural sweetener spoonable*
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice**
¼ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1¾ cup skim milk
3 tbsp canola oil
½ cup pumpkin puree

* or 4 packets Truvia® natural sweetener
** pumpkin pie spice may be substituted with ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice
 


Instructions

1. Assemble all ingredients.
2. Combine dry ingredients in large mixing bowl.
3. In separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil and pumpkin; mix
4. Add pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients and mix just until large lumps disappear.
5. Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water skitters around pan; Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake onto hot skillet.
6. Cook 1 or 1½ minute until bubbly and turn; cook on other side until golden brown.
7. Serve with a spoonful of hot applesauce or traditional maple syrup.
 


Nutrition Facts per serving

Calories 230; Total Fat, 6g; Saturated Fat, 0.5g; Trans Fat, 0g; Cholesterol, 40mg; Sodium, 300mg; Total Carbohydrate, 41g; Dietary Fiber, 2g; Sugars, 3g; Erythritol, 2g: Protein, 7g; Vitamin A, 30% DV; Vitamin C, 0% DV; Calcium, 20% DV; Iron, 15% DV
 
Recipe Source:http://truvia.com/recipes/sweets/pumpkin-pancakes/
 
 

Kali Grant is the founding Editor-in-Chief and Campus Correspondent for the OSU chapter of Her Campus. Kali is pursuing a B.A. in Public Affairs at the John Glenn School with a minor in Communication and is excited to be in her senior year. Kali is a student research assistant at the Glenn School and is a proud member of the Zeta Alpha chapter of Chi Omega. Kali has spent her collegiate summers interning with The Institute on Women and The Salvation Army and studying Spanish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When she’s not daydreaming about returning to New Orleans and San Francisco, Kali loves drinking coffee, talking about cats and politics, and trying out questionable vegetarian recipes.