Tag: Low calorie sweeteners

With sugar providing 4 calories per gram compared to polydextrose's 1 calorie, many are asking: is polydextrose better than sugar? This synthetic soluble fiber offers a way to reduce calories and manage blood sugar levels, making it a compelling alternative for the health-conscious.

Over 75% of commercially available foods and beverages contain some form of added sugar. Many are searching for a single sweetener equivalent to sugar to reduce their intake without sacrificing taste or texture. However, the search for a perfect, universal replacement proves more complex than it appears, with several options offering a 1:1 ratio but with important differences in composition, taste, and use.

Aspartame, a low-calorie artificial sweetener, is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar and has been used in foods and beverages since the early 1980s. This often leads to confusion regarding its relationship with aspartic acid, one of its fundamental components. The simple answer is no, aspartic acid is not the same as aspartame, and understanding their distinct chemical identities and functions is key.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, consumption of low-calorie sweeteners increased by 54% among adults in the US between 2009 and 2012. The primary scientific term for 'fake sugar' is an artificial sweetener or, more broadly, a sugar substitute. These can be synthetic compounds or highly refined extracts from natural sources that provide a sweet taste without the calories of table sugar.

Despite some recent news coverage, the idea that all Splenda products contain erythritol is a common misconception. The truth is that Splenda is a brand name for a wide range of products, and their ingredient formulations vary significantly across the lineup.

While the final xylitol molecule is chemically identical, its source material can vary significantly. Understanding the different types of xylitol, primarily based on their origin, can help consumers make informed choices for cooking, oral health, and dietary needs.

Sugar-free gums make up a significant portion of the chewing gum market, and most are sweetened with sugar alcohols. These compounds, also known as polyols, offer a sweet taste without the high calories and glycemic impact of regular sugar, making them ideal for a range of confectionery products. The primary reasons for their inclusion are for taste, texture, and—most importantly—dental health.

According to the Coca-Cola website, many Hi-C varieties are primarily composed of pure filtered water and high fructose corn syrup. A closer look reveals that what does Hi-C have in it extends beyond just water and sweeteners to include a blend of juice concentrates, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

According to the NHS, many adults consume far more than the recommended 30g of free sugars per day, highlighting the need for healthier alternatives. This has led many to question: what is the best healthy sugar substitute? The answer depends on individual health goals, dietary needs, and how the sweetener will be used.

Sugar alcohols, also known as polyols, are a type of carbohydrate with fewer calories than sugar and are only partially digested. While they occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables, they are also produced commercially and added to many processed foods labeled 'sugar-free' or 'low-calorie'. Knowing which foods are high in sugar alcohols is essential for those managing certain health conditions or sensitive to their digestive effects.