Introduction to Sweet & Balance Products
The Sweet & Balance brand, manufactured by the Greek company Jotis, offers a range of sugar-free products, including tabletop sweeteners and dessert mixes. The ingredients vary depending on the specific product format—tablets, liquid, or jelly mix—but the core sweetening agents are consistently steviol glycosides and sucralose. This dual-sweetener approach is designed to provide a balanced taste profile with no calories from the sweeteners themselves.
Sweet & Balance Tabletop Sweetener Ingredients
The tabletop sweetener, typically found in tablet form, is formulated for use in beverages. Its components include a blend of sweeteners and several functional additives. The main active ingredients are steviol glycosides and sucralose, which are responsible for the sweet taste.
- Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia Plant Extract): This natural-origin sweetener is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. Steviol glycosides are not metabolized by the human body, meaning they provide no caloric value. They can be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar, and manufacturers often blend them with other sweeteners to improve the overall taste profile and mask any slight aftertaste.
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener created from a modified sugar molecule. Sucralose is also non-caloric and is known for its high stability and clean, sugar-like taste. It is commonly used in beverages and food products where heat stability is required.
- Sodium Bicarbonate (Acidity Regulator): Also known as baking soda, this ingredient helps control the acidity of the mixture and can contribute to the effervescence of the dissolving tablet.
- Sodium Citrate (Acidity Regulator): This sodium salt of citric acid also helps regulate acidity and acts as a preservative.
- Starch: A filler or bulking agent that helps form the tablet structure.
- Magnesium Fatty Acids (Anti-caking): These prevent the powdered ingredients from clumping together, ensuring the tablets remain separate and dissolve properly.
Sweet & Balance Liquid Sweetener Ingredients
The liquid version of the tabletop sweetener contains a simpler ingredient list, focused solely on the sweetening compounds and their carrier.
- Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia Plant Extract): Provides zero-calorie sweetness.
- Sucralose: Contributes to the overall sweetening effect and flavor.
Sweet & Balance Jelly Mix Ingredients
The ingredient composition of the jelly mixes, such as the strawberry or cherry flavors, is more complex due to their function as a dessert base. In addition to sweeteners, they contain gelling and thickening agents, flavorings, and colorings.
- Gelatin: The primary gelling agent that provides the jelly's characteristic texture.
- Acids (Citric Acid): Provides a tart flavor and helps set the gelatin.
- Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate): Stabilizes the mixture and helps control the flavor.
- Wheat Dextrins: A source of dietary fiber that also contributes to the product's structure.
- Sweeteners (Steviol Glycosides, Sucralose, Erythritol): This combination creates the sweet taste. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used for its bulk and clean flavor.
- Colorings (Anthocyanin): Natural color from plants, which gives the jelly its red hue.
- Flavoring: Artificial or natural flavoring agents specific to the product (e.g., cherry or strawberry).
Sweet & Balance vs. Sweet'N Low: Understanding the Difference
One common point of confusion arises from the similar-sounding names of the Greek brand Sweet & Balance and the American brand Sweet'N Low. The two products are distinct and use different primary sweeteners. Sweet'N Low is a saccharin-based sweetener, while Sweet & Balance relies on steviol glycosides and sucralose.
| Feature | Sweet & Balance Tablets | Sweet'N Low (USA) | Sweet'N Low (Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener | Steviol Glycosides (from Stevia) & Sucralose | Saccharin | Cyclamate |
| Other Ingredients | Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Citrate, Starch, Magnesium Fatty Acids | Dextrose, Cream of Tartar, Calcium Silicate | Dextrose, Calcium Silicate, Cream of Tartar |
| Brand Origin | Jotis (Greece) | Cumberland Packing Corp. (USA) | Cumberland Packing Corp. (USA) |
| Calorie Count | Zero calories per dose | Zero calories per packet | Zero calories per packet |
| Taste Profile | Sweetened by stevia and sucralose blend | Sweetened by saccharin, which can have a bitter aftertaste | Sweetened by cyclamate |
This table clarifies that the brands are not related, and their products are fundamentally different in composition. The taste and aftertaste profile, as well as the suitability for specific dietary needs (with physician advice), will vary based on the primary ingredients.
The Role of Additives in Sweeteners
Beyond the primary sweetening agents, additives play a crucial role in creating a functional and palatable product. For example, in the Sweet & Balance tablets, starch and anti-caking agents ensure the product's texture and shelf stability. In the jelly mixes, gelatin is essential for gelling, while citric acid provides the necessary tartness and structure. These secondary ingredients are fundamental to creating a finished product that performs as expected, whether in a drink or a dessert.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding what are the ingredients in Sweet and Balance requires looking beyond the brand name to the specific product format. While the primary sweeteners are consistently a blend of steviol glycosides and sucralose, other ingredients like bulking agents, gelling agents, and acidity regulators are used to create the final product. This comprehensive approach allows the brand to offer a diverse range of sugar-free alternatives, from tabletop sweeteners to dessert mixes. It is also important to differentiate Sweet & Balance from the unrelated Sweet'N Low brand, which uses saccharin as its primary sweetener. Always check the ingredients list for the specific product you are using to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs and preferences.
