What are the key ingredients in Sweet Freedom?
Sweet Freedom's core products, including their fruit syrups and Choc Shots, are primarily sweetened with a proprietary blend of natural fruit extracts from carob and apples. This fruit-derived sweetness is the central pillar of the brand's appeal, positioning it as a natural, low-calorie alternative to refined sugar.
Deconstructing Sweet Freedom’s core formulation
The primary ingredients across the Sweet Freedom range are a testament to the brand's commitment to simplicity and natural sourcing. A closer look reveals:
- Natural fruit extracts: The star ingredients are derived from carob and apple, and sometimes include grapes, as seen in their Fruit Syrup. These are water-extracted, avoiding the chemical processes and enzymes used in many other sweeteners.
- Water: This is a fundamental component, especially in liquid products like Choc Shot and the various flavored syrups.
- Cocoa: Used exclusively in the Choc Shot and Choc Pot products, the cocoa is ethically sourced and Fairtrade.
- Rapeseed oil: Present in chocolate products like Choc Shot to provide a smooth texture and rich consistency. The brand explicitly states they use no palm oil.
- Natural flavors: Added to create specific flavor profiles, such as vanilla, caramel, or hazelnut, ensuring the finished product tastes as intended without artificial additives.
- Other ingredients: Certain products like VEGAN HONEEE include additional natural extracts to mimic the taste and texture of honey.
A product-by-product ingredient breakdown
While the fruit extracts of apple and carob are the unifying ingredients, specific products have unique formulations. Here is a brief overview:
- Original Fruit Syrup: The simplest formula, containing only natural fruit extracts from apples, grapes, and carob, and water.
- Choc Shot: Features fruit extracts (carob and apple), water, cocoa, rapeseed oil, and natural flavor.
- Vanilla Syrup: Blends natural fruit extracts (carob and apple) with natural vanilla flavoring and color.
- Pancake Syrup: Naturally sweetened with fruit extracts (apple and carob) to provide a golden syrup-like taste.
Sweet Freedom vs. other popular sweeteners
For those seeking alternatives to traditional sweeteners, comparing Sweet Freedom to other options on the market can be helpful. The brand prides itself on avoiding refined sugars and artificial additives.
| Feature | Sweet Freedom | Agave Syrup | Stevia-based Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Sweetener | Natural fruit extracts (apple, carob) | Agave plant nectar | Rebaudioside A from stevia leaf |
| Fructose Content | Low, approx. 23g/100g | Very high, approx. 90g/100g | Zero, but some blends contain other ingredients |
| Chemical Processing | Water-extracted; no chemicals used | Can involve extensive processing | Varies by brand; often highly processed |
| Taste Profile | Natural, clean sweetness with no bitter aftertaste | Can have a syrupy, sometimes cloying taste | Often has a distinct licorice-like or bitter aftertaste |
| Allergens | Free from all 14 major food allergens | Generally allergen-free | Generally allergen-free |
| Baking Suitability | Yes, though requires adjusting for temperature | Yes, but sweetness intensity can vary | Can be difficult to bake with due to lack of volume |
The sourcing and production process
Sweet Freedom maintains a transparent and ethical approach to production. The company is a Certified B Corp, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. Ingredients are carefully sourced, and cocoa is Fairtrade. The fruit extracts are produced in a way that minimizes processing, using water to extract the sweetness from the fruit. This low-impact, natural extraction method results in a clean, minimally processed sweetener that aligns with health-conscious consumer preferences. Furthermore, the company's commitment to avoiding palm oil and other artificial additives further solidifies its position as an ethical and natural choice in the sweetener market.
Conclusion: A natural and versatile sweetener
Sweet Freedom's appeal lies in its simple, natural ingredient list, built primarily on fruit extracts from carob, apple, and sometimes grape. This approach offers a clean and versatile alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, without the bitter aftertaste associated with some other natural sugar substitutes like stevia. By focusing on fruit-derived sweetness, the brand has created a range of syrups and spreads that cater to health-conscious consumers, vegans, and those with various dietary restrictions. Whether drizzled over pancakes or stirred into coffee, knowing the ingredients in Sweet Freedom provides confidence in choosing a natural and ethically produced sweetener. For more information, including recipes and product details, you can visit their official website.
What to know about the ingredients in Sweet Freedom
- Primarily sweetened with fruit: Sweet Freedom's signature sweetness comes from natural extracts of carob and apple.
- No refined sugar: The brand prides itself on using no refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other 'nasties'.
- Free from major allergens: All Sweet Freedom syrups are made in an allergen-free factory and are free from gluten, dairy, and soy.
- Water-extracted process: The sweetness is extracted using water, a minimal-processing method that avoids harsh chemicals or enzymes.
- Palm oil-free: Sweet Freedom is committed to sustainability and does not use any palm oil in its products.
- Specific ingredients vary: While the fruit extracts are core, products like Choc Shot contain additional ingredients like Fairtrade cocoa and rapeseed oil.
- Low in fructose: Sweet Freedom boasts a much lower fructose content than agave syrup or honey, with only 23g per 100g compared to agave's 90g.
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary ingredients in Sweet Freedom? The primary ingredients in Sweet Freedom are natural fruit extracts from carob and apple.
Is Sweet Freedom suitable for vegans? Yes, all Sweet Freedom products are registered with the Vegan Society and are 100% plant-based.
Do Sweet Freedom products contain artificial sweeteners? No, Sweet Freedom products contain no artificial sweeteners or refined sugars.
Is Sweet Freedom a good option for diabetics? Sweet Freedom is suitable for diabetics as part of a healthy diet, as its fruit-based sweetness has less effect on blood sugar levels than table sugar. However, it is always best to consume sparingly and consult a healthcare professional.
Does Sweet Freedom contain allergens like dairy or gluten? No, Sweet Freedom syrups are manufactured in a factory that does not handle any of the 14 major food allergens, including gluten and dairy.
What is the difference between Sweet Freedom and agave syrup? Sweet Freedom is made from carob and apple extracts and is significantly lower in fructose than agave syrup, which is a by-product of the tequila industry.
Can Sweet Freedom be used for baking? Yes, Sweet Freedom can be used for baking. The brand's website offers recipe inspiration for cakes, muffins, and other treats.
Is Sweet Freedom low in calories? Yes, products like Choc Shot and the syrups contain only around 13 calories per teaspoon, making them a low-calorie alternative.
Why does Sweet Freedom use carob? Carob is a pod-like fruit known for its natural sweetness and earthy, chocolate-like flavor, and it is a key component in Sweet Freedom's proprietary fruit-extract blend.
