The Challenge of Finding Sweetener-Free Squash
For years, the market has been saturated with fruit squashes that heavily rely on artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (951), sucralose (955), and acesulfame potassium (950). These are often found in products labeled as "no added sugar," aiming to reduce calories while maintaining sweetness. However, concerns over the taste, health effects, and processing methods of these additives have driven a demand for more natural alternatives. The good news is that a variety of natural options now exist, from established companies to specialized brands focusing on clean labels.
Brands that Offer Squash without Artificial Sweeteners
1. Rocks Drinks
Rocks Drinks is a standout brand dedicated to avoiding artificial ingredients. Their squash is made from squished whole fruit and natural sugar, and they explicitly state that they use "nothing artificial".
- Key features: Uses whole fruit, natural sugar, and spring water for a clean taste.
- Availability: Can be found in many supermarkets and online retailers.
2. Belvoir Farm
Belvoir Farm offers a range of cordials, with specific products that are naturally sweetened. For instance, their "No Added Sugar" Apple & Blackcurrant Cordial is sweetened with stevia, a plant-derived sweetener, and contains no artificial ingredients.
- Key features: Uses natural plant-based sweeteners, real fruit juice, and natural ingredients.
- Availability: Stocked in many major supermarkets and online.
3. Mr Fitzpatricks Vintage Cordials
For a more traditional option, Mr Fitzpatricks offers a standard range of cordials made with sugar rather than artificial sweeteners. It is crucial to check the label for the specific product, as their "no added sugar" range does contain sweeteners.
- Key features: Uses traditional recipes with sugar for sweetness.
- Availability: Often found in specialist food shops and online.
4. The DIY Homemade Approach
Making your own squash at home is the most reliable way to ensure it contains no artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Recipes often involve cooking fruit, sugar, and water to create a concentrated syrup. A simple lemon squash can be made with just lemons, sugar, and water.
- Ingredients: Fresh fruit (e.g., mango, lemon, blackcurrant), sugar, water, and sometimes a natural preservative like lemon juice.
- Process: Boil, strain, and store in sterilized bottles.
- Benefits: Full control over ingredients, flavor, and sweetness.
Comparison Table: Squash with and without Artificial Sweeteners
| Feature | Commercial Squash with Artificial Sweeteners | Natural Squash (e.g., Rocks Drinks) | Homemade Squash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K | Natural sugar, Stevia | Natural sugar, honey, maple syrup |
| Ingredients | Concentrates, artificial colors, preservatives, sweeteners | Whole fruit, water, sugar (or stevia) | Fresh fruit, sugar, water |
| Calorie Count | Typically low or zero calorie | Caloric (from natural sugars) | Caloric (depends on ingredients) |
| Aftertaste | Often has a synthetic or bitter aftertaste | Clean, natural fruit flavor | Flavor of chosen ingredients |
| Label Reading | Look for numbers like 950, 951, 955 | Look for natural sugar, real fruit juice | Not applicable |
| Cost | Generally low | Can be higher due to quality ingredients | Varies based on fruit cost |
How to Read Labels to Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Becoming a savvy label reader is essential for avoiding unwanted ingredients. Artificial sweeteners must be listed on the ingredient label, usually by name (e.g., aspartame, sucralose) or by their E number (e.g., E951, E955). Remember that ingredients are listed in descending order by amount, so if you see a sweetener high up on the list, it's a prominent component. Be especially wary of products labeled "diet," "light," or "no added sugar," as these are the most common places to find them. Some companies also list sweeteners in brackets after the term "sweeteners". You should also look out for natural sweeteners with potential side effects, such as sugar alcohols (like erythritol), which can cause digestive issues in high doses. For those with phenylketonuria (PKU), products with aspartame must include a warning about containing phenylalanine.
The Benefits of Choosing Naturally Sweetened Squash
By opting for squash that does not have artificial sweeteners, you can enjoy several benefits. Many people find the taste of naturally sweetened drinks to be cleaner and more pleasant, without the synthetic or bitter aftertaste associated with some artificial alternatives. For families, especially with children, it offers a more natural way to consume fruit-flavored drinks. Furthermore, choosing brands that use whole fruit often means you are getting more nutrients and antioxidants compared to highly processed options. While natural sugar options still require moderation, they are a more straightforward ingredient than their artificial counterparts. To further explore health differences, sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) provide valuable studies and reviews on the impact of various food additives.
Conclusion
While the search for a squash without artificial sweeteners might seem daunting, there are excellent options available. Dedicated brands like Rocks Drinks and Belvoir Farm prioritize natural ingredients and sweetness from sources like fruit and stevia. Additionally, making your own squash at home offers the ultimate control over what goes into your drink, guaranteeing a natural and delicious result. By learning to read ingredient labels and knowing which companies to trust, you can easily make healthier choices for yourself and your family, enjoying a refreshingly natural glass of squash whenever you like.
