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What brands of artificial sweeteners contain erythritol?

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), erythritol has a long history of safe use in over 60 countries and is a widely used sugar alcohol. This popular zero-calorie sweetener is an ingredient in numerous sugar-free products and understanding which brands of artificial sweeteners contain erythritol is essential for those monitoring their intake for health reasons or dietary preferences.

Quick Summary

A guide to popular retail brands of artificial sweeteners that incorporate erythritol, often blended with other high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit, for bulk and flavor. Key brands include Truvia, Splenda Naturals, Lakanto, Swerve, and others found in keto-friendly products. Specific ingredients must be checked as formulations can vary.

Key Points

  • Truvia and Splenda Naturals: Key brands like Truvia and specific Splenda Naturals products blend stevia or monk fruit with erythritol to create a granular sweetener.

  • Lakanto and Swerve: Lakanto uses erythritol with monk fruit for its signature blend, while Swerve is a well-known brand selling erythritol as its main ingredient.

  • Look Beyond Brand Name: The presence of other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit on the label does not exclude erythritol; it is often added for bulk.

  • Read the Ingredients: Always check the ingredients list for 'erythritol' or 'sugar alcohols' to be certain, as packaging can be misleading.

  • Beyond Tabletop: Erythritol is also common in many low-carb and keto-friendly foods and beverages, including VitaminWater Zero and Bai.

  • Baking and Specialty Products: Brands like Good Dee's for baking mixes and Keto Chow for meal replacement shakes incorporate erythritol extensively.

In This Article

Understanding Erythritol in Sweetener Products

Erythritol, a type of sugar alcohol, is a popular choice for sweetening low-calorie and sugar-free foods due to its clean taste and minimal caloric impact. While it occurs naturally in some fruits, the erythritol used commercially is produced through a fermentation process, often from cornstarch. Because it is less sweet than sugar, it is frequently combined with high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to achieve a desired sweetness profile without adding a significant number of calories. The inclusion of erythritol adds bulk and texture that these other sweeteners lack on their own.

Blends with Stevia and Monk Fruit

Many popular 'natural' sweeteners that market themselves based on stevia or monk fruit extracts actually rely heavily on erythritol as a primary ingredient. This is because a tiny amount of stevia or monk fruit is enough for sweetness, but too small to use as a granular sweetener that a consumer can scoop or pour. Erythritol provides the necessary bulk and crystalline structure to make these products look and act like sugar.

  • Truvia: While it is widely known as a stevia-based sweetener, some Truvia products contain a significant amount of erythritol. Consumers should check the specific product label, especially for granular forms, as formulations may vary.
  • Splenda Naturals Stevia & Monk Fruit: Several Splenda brand products, including their Monk Fruit and Stevia jars, incorporate erythritol. The classic yellow Splenda packets, however, do not.
  • Lakanto: This brand is known for its monk fruit sweetener blends, which famously use erythritol as the bulk ingredient to give the product a sugar-like texture and consistency.
  • Pyure Organic: Similar to others, Pyure offers organic stevia blends that feature erythritol to provide the necessary volume.

Pure Erythritol and Baking Blends

Some brands sell pure erythritol, which is ideal for baking or for consumers who prefer to control their own sweetener blends. Others offer proprietary baking blends that are primarily erythritol.

  • Swerve: A very popular erythritol-based sweetener available in granular, powdered, and brown sugar versions, all of which feature erythritol as the main ingredient.
  • Whole Earth Sweetener Co.: Certain products from this brand use erythritol alongside other sweeteners to create low-calorie alternatives.
  • Anthony's: This brand, available online, sells pure erythritol in bulk for cooking and baking.
  • Good Dee's: A line of baking mixes that uses erythritol as a sugar replacement to offer low-carb and keto-friendly baked goods.

Beverages, Candies, and More

Erythritol's use is not limited to tabletop sweeteners. Its popularity extends to a vast range of sugar-free and keto-friendly foods and drinks.

  • VitaminWater Zero: Specific varieties of this flavored water line are sweetened with a combination of erythritol and other sweeteners.
  • Bai: Many of their antioxidant infusion and sparkling beverages contain erythritol along with stevia.
  • Zevia: This brand offers a range of zero-sugar sodas that are typically sweetened with a blend of stevia and erythritol.
  • Keto Chow: This meal replacement shake mix contains erythritol to provide sweetness without sugar.

Comparison of Common Erythritol-Containing Sweeteners

Brand Sweetener Type Key Sweeteners Common Use Case Notes
Truvia Stevia-Erythritol Blend Stevia leaf extract, Erythritol Tabletop, beverages, baking Check ingredients; not all Truvia products use erythritol.
Lakanto Monk Fruit-Erythritol Blend Monk fruit extract, Erythritol Tabletop, baking, cooking Known for its monk fruit and erythritol blend.
Swerve Pure Erythritol & Blends Erythritol Baking (granular, powdered, brown) A popular pure erythritol option.
Splenda Naturals Stevia-Erythritol Blend Stevia leaf extract, Erythritol Tabletop, beverages, baking Certain products like jars contain erythritol, but original packets do not.
Pyure Organic Stevia-Erythritol Blend Stevia leaf extract, Erythritol Tabletop, baking USDA organic certified blends.
Whole Earth Various blends Erythritol, Stevia, Monk Fruit Tabletop sweetener Diverse product line; check specific labels.

How to Identify Erythritol in Products

Given the varied formulations, the only surefire way to know if a product contains erythritol is to read the ingredients list. It may not always be listed as such on the front of the packaging, particularly if it's blended with another sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, or if it's listed under the collective 'sugar alcohols' category on the nutrition panel. Consumers should also be aware that products claiming to be 'natural' or 'keto-friendly' are highly likely to contain erythritol for bulk and texture. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) resources provide details on approved sweeteners, which can be useful for those seeking further information.

Conclusion

Many leading artificial sweetener brands utilize erythritol, often in combination with other high-intensity sweeteners, to create products that mimic the taste and texture of sugar. For consumers tracking their erythritol consumption, key brands to check include Truvia, Lakanto, Swerve, Splenda Naturals, and Pyure Organic. It is crucial to read the ingredient list on any sugar-free, low-carb, or 'natural' sweetener product to confirm its contents, as packaging claims can be misleading. By being an informed consumer, you can make the best choices for your dietary needs and preferences.

Visit the Food and Drug Administration website for more information on sweeteners

Frequently Asked Questions

Many stevia brands, including some Truvia and Splenda Naturals products, contain erythritol. Erythritol is used as a bulking agent to create a granular product, since stevia extract is much sweeter than sugar and only a small amount is needed.

Yes, for many monk fruit sweeteners sold as powders or granules, erythritol is the primary ingredient by weight. Brands like Lakanto combine highly concentrated monk fruit extract with erythritol to create a sugar-like texture and consistency.

You should check the product's ingredients list on the packaging. Erythritol may be listed by name or grouped under the category of 'sugar alcohols' on the nutrition panel.

No, not all Splenda products contain erythritol. The classic yellow Splenda packets do not. However, some of their newer products, such as Splenda Naturals Stevia Jar and Splenda Monk Fruit Jar, do list erythritol as an ingredient.

Yes, some brands specialize in selling pure erythritol for cooking and baking. A well-known example is Swerve, which offers granular, powdered, and brown versions.

Erythritol is added to high-intensity sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit to add bulk, improve texture, and provide a sugar-like appearance. It helps create a product that can be measured and used similarly to table sugar.

Erythritol is found in a variety of sugar-free and low-calorie products, including certain diet sodas, flavored waters (like VitaminWater Zero), keto snacks (e.g., Quest bars), and low-sugar ice creams (like Halo Top).

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.