Why is erythritol used in beverages?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol known for providing a sugar-like sweetness with virtually no calories. It is commonly used by manufacturers for several reasons beyond just sweetness, including enhancing the taste and improving the overall texture of low-sugar and sugar-free beverages.
The role of erythritol in taste and texture
- Masks aftertaste: Many high-potency sweeteners, like stevia and monk fruit, can have a distinct bitter or metallic aftertaste. Erythritol is often blended with these ingredients to create a more pleasant, balanced flavor profile that closely mimics sugar.
- Adds bulk and mouthfeel: High-potency sweeteners are used in small quantities, so they do not provide the physical 'bulk' that sugar does. Erythritol adds this necessary volume and mimics the smooth mouthfeel that consumers expect from a sweet drink.
- Enhances stability: Erythritol is stable across a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, making it a reliable ingredient for a variety of acidic and carbonated beverages.
Comparing erythritol to other sweeteners
Erythritol has distinct characteristics that differentiate it from other common sugar alternatives, as shown in the table below.
| Feature | Erythritol | Stevia | Aspartame | Sucralose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caloric Content | Near-zero calories | Zero calories | Zero calories | Zero calories |
| Glycemic Impact | Minimal to no impact on blood sugar | No impact on blood sugar | No impact on blood sugar | Minimal impact on blood sugar |
| Taste Profile | Clean, sugar-like taste; can have a cooling effect | Often has a noticeable bitter aftertaste | Can have a chemical aftertaste | Tastes like sugar; can have a slight aftertaste |
| Sweetness Intensity | About 70% as sweet as sugar | Up to 300x sweeter than sugar | About 200x sweeter than sugar | Up to 600x sweeter than sugar |
| Digestion | Mostly absorbed before reaching the colon, better tolerance | Tolerated well, but varies by person | Generally well-tolerated | Can cause digestive issues in some |
Which soft drinks contain erythritol?
Because of its desirable properties, erythritol is included in a variety of modern beverages, especially those aimed at health-conscious or low-carb consumers. However, it is crucial to always check the ingredient label, as formulations can change over time.
Brands and product lines that use erythritol
- Bai: Many Bai Antioxidant Infusions and Bai Bubbles are sweetened with a combination of erythritol and stevia.
- Blue Sky Zero Sugar: This craft soda brand, owned by Coca-Cola, was specifically launched with erythritol and stevia as its sweeteners.
- Red Bull Zero: This energy drink uses a blend of erythritol, sucralose, and monk fruit extract.
- Monster Energy Ultra: Certain product lines within the Monster Ultra series utilize a mix of erythritol and other sweeteners.
- VitaminWater Zero: Some varieties of VitaminWater Zero include erythritol as a sweetener.
- Bubblr: This sparkling water brand is known to use erythritol in its products.
- SoBe Water: Certain products under the SoBe Lifewater brand contain erythritol.
- Energy Drink Mixes: Brands like G Fuel include erythritol in their powder mixes.
It is also worth noting that some brands have moved away from using erythritol. For example, Zevia has reformulated its products to use only highly purified stevia extract, explicitly stating that they no longer contain bulking agents like erythritol.
Health considerations of erythritol
While initially praised for its health benefits over sugar, recent research has brought erythritol's safety into question, particularly concerning cardiovascular health.
The cardiovascular concern
A notable 2023 study published in the journal Nature Medicine, led by the Cleveland Clinic, found that individuals with high levels of erythritol in their bloodstream were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. The study indicated that erythritol may promote blood clotting, which can be a direct contributor to these cardiac events. The lead author emphasized that the associated risk was substantial.
For more details on the study, you can refer to the Cleveland Clinic Study.
Potential digestive effects
On a more immediate level, consuming large amounts of erythritol can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals, including bloating and gas. However, it is generally better tolerated than other sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol because most of it is absorbed in the small intestine before it reaches the colon.
Conclusion: Making informed beverage choices
Erythritol is a common sugar alternative found in a variety of sugar-free and low-calorie soft drinks, including flavored waters, energy drinks, and diet sodas from brands like Bai and Blue Sky. Its popularity stems from its ability to provide a clean sweetness with minimal calories and to improve the taste and texture of beverages when combined with other sweeteners.
However, consumers should be aware of the recent scientific findings suggesting a link between high erythritol levels and increased cardiovascular risk. While the FDA considers it generally safe, this research introduces significant health considerations. As with any additive, the best approach is to stay informed, check ingredient labels carefully, and consume such products in moderation.
