Tag: Diet sweetener

According to the common color-coding for artificial sweeteners, the color of the packet indicates the type of sweetener inside. It is a frequent misconception that yellow Equal and Splenda are the same product, but this is a mistake based on packaging color rather than the actual chemical composition.

Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol, is about 60% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) and contains roughly one-third fewer calories. This versatile polyol is found naturally in many fruits, including apples and pears, and is also manufactured commercially for use as a sweetener in a wide array of sugar-free foods, beverages, and oral care products.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the high-purity stevia leaf extract and erythritol found in Truvia have a "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS) status. However, understanding the complete safety and potential side effects of a sugar substitute like Truvia is more complex than a simple safety label, requiring a deeper look into its components and supporting research.

For most healthy adults, consuming two packets of high-purity stevia per day is well within safe limits, as the FDA estimates a 150-pound person could safely consume up to 27 packets daily. So, is 2 packs of stevia a day too much? For most, it is not, but understanding the details behind this popular sugar substitute is key for a well-rounded nutrition diet.

While many turn to liquid stevia as a zero-calorie sugar alternative, the reality is that it doesn't taste exactly like sugar. The key difference lies in its unique flavor profile, which can have a distinct aftertaste that some find bitter or licorice-like.