Hi, Stevia varies depending on the source. Some is very bitter (Puritan'sPride) Medicine Shoppes have a great one (their brand) and run specials by mailorder catalog. Packets are a blend (not pure stevia) and it is recommended that you buy the bulk size for cooking because this is more pure. I have purchased the plant at the farmers market and grown my own. I just add the leaves to my drinks - its great. Mary Laczkoskie