Truvia comes from the Stevia plant, a natural sugar substitute. It's actually much sweeter than sugar. Splenda comes from real sugar. I am not sure if splenda has any side effects, there are no reported side effects from Stevia (Truvia) that I have heard of or read about. I actually use both. Truvia actually looks like real sugar crystals, splenda is more powdery. Dr. Oz recommends Agava, you can find it at Walmart, as your sweetner of choice, he says that is what he uses and recommends. I have not tried it, it kinda looks like honey, but I am thinking of getting some when I run out of Truvia.