Natural Sugar Substitutes

If you’re not a fan of refined sugar, there are many natural sugar substitutes available on the market today. These include Xylitol, Allulose, Stevia, and Erythritol. Learn more about these sweeteners below! Then, use these substitutes to sweeten your favorite recipes. All of them provide the same sweet taste, but contain far fewer calories than regular sugar.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a common ingredient in chewing gum. It has numerous health benefits, and is a delicious substitute for sugar. Unlike refined sugar, xylitol contains very few calories per serving. It has a low GI (glycemic index), which means it does not raise blood sugar levels and has only 2.4 calories per gram. It is absorbed by the liver and enters the intestine, where it is broken down to provide a natural sweetener.

While xylitol is considered safe for human consumption, it is not suitable for every person. Some people may experience digestive problems, such as gas and bloating, when consuming large amounts of the substance. However, a small percentage of individuals may not have problems with it. Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome should avoid it altogether. It is not recommended for use by people who are pregnant or lactating.

Studies show that xylitol can reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Studies have also shown that xylitol can help prevent cancer and boost bone density. It also feeds friendly bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health. While there are some potential side effects, many experts remain positive. Xylitol is an excellent alternative to refined sugar. It can also help reduce inflammation and promote bone growth.

Allulose

Allulose is a naturally occurring sugar, although it’s chemical make-up makes it different from other sugars. More than 70% of allulose is absorbed directly into the bloodstream while only 30% is metabolized by the body. Because allulose doesn’t undergo a significant amount of metabolic processing, it has little effect on blood sugar levels. Similar to sugar alcohols, allulose is not fermented in the digestive system, making it less likely to upset the body’s chemistry.

Allulose is a relatively new ingredient on the food scene. It’s found naturally in a few fruits but is not a common ingredient in packaged food. You can buy granulated allulose online or in stores, but you should be aware that this sweetener is less sweet than regular sugar and requires more sugar to achieve the same level of sweetness. However, it’s an excellent choice for consumers who want to avoid refined sugar and are concerned about its effects on their health.

It is important to note that the high concentrations of allulose have not led to gastrointestinal side effects in animal studies. A small human study of 30 people focused on the gastrointestinal side effects of allulose. The study determined that adults with 132 pounds of body weight can consume up to 54 grams of allulose per day without gastrointestinal side effects. However, more than 54 grams a day could cause digestive problems.

Stevia

The most popular way to enjoy sweets without the calories is by substituting stevia for table sugar. This zero-calorie sweetener is actually plant-based, meaning that it is not chemically created. Stevia products often bear a label stating that they have no artificial ingredients. Many health-conscious consumers may also like stevia because of its natural sweetening properties, which can help them maintain a healthy weight.

The stevia plant is native to South America, where indigenous people used it to make tea and sweeten drinks. Many of them even chewed the leaves for their sweetness. Scientists isolated the steviol glycosides found in stevia leaves, purified them, and standardized them for food use. Stevia is approximately 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, and it has no calories or carbohydrates.

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding artificial sweeteners. Therefore, consumers should use it in moderation, as too much stevia can cause gas and inflammation of the liver and kidneys.

However, recent research has provided positive results for the use of stevia as a sugar substitute. . The FDA recognized steviol glycosides as safe by assessing 37 animal and human studies. The steviol glycosides are 200 to 400 times sweeter than table sugar, making them the most natural sugar substitute on the market.

Erythritol

The use of erythritol as a sugar substitute is increasing, thanks to the health benefits. Although not absorbed by the body, it does impart a mild mint flavor, which some people may find off-putting. Because erythritol does not contribute to our daily carbohydrate intake, it is often used in diet foods and sugar-free products. However, the use of erythritol in large amounts can cause a crystallization problem. This can be reduced by purchasing the powdered form of erythritol.

While some consumers may be skeptical of sugar alcohols, the Food and Drug Administration has approved erythritol as a safe sugar substitute for many consumers. While erythritol has some similar properties to stevia, it is less problematic than aspartame and has less potential for negative side effects. It may cause nausea and upset stomach, and therefore should be used sparingly.

Another positive attribute of erythritol is that it does not have a noticeable aftertaste. This is the opposite of many sugar substitutes. They can even be combined with other sweeteners to provide the desired sweetness. Erythritol is a good choice for a sugar substitute because it is both healthy and non-caloric. Just keep in mind that erythritol is a sugar alcohol, and sorbitol is not.

Swerve

If you’re looking for a sugar substitute that’s low-carb and tastes great, consider Swerve. The natural sweetener measures like brown sugar and is free of digestive discomfort or bitter aftertaste. It also doesn’t affect blood sugar levels and is available in a wide range of flavors. This carb-conscious sweetener is available in a variety of flavors to suit your individual taste.

Erythritol comes from fermenting glucose and crystallizing it.

Swerve is a natural sugar substitute made from corn derived erythritol and oligosaccharides, which are prebiotic fibers that can be used as a sweetener. The company also has a successful advertising campaign that appears on food and recipe websites, including Hulu and Bon Appetit. During the campaign, Swerve also collaborates with celebrity recipe creators and other companies to create recipes using Swerve. Currently, Swerve can be found in more than 4,000 retail stores. The product is made by Rick Farrell, a New Orleans businessman and partner of Walk-On’ Bistreaux & Bar and Happy’s Irish Pub chains.

Some studies suggest that these artificial sweeteners can have negative effects on the gut bacteria and resting metabolic rate. However, a recent review found that those who use low-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar may lose weight, and the amount of calories they burn will be reduced. Because these products can have negative side effects, they should only be used sparingly and moderately. For best results, always consult with your medical team before beginning a new diet or changing your current one.

Monk fruit

If you’re looking for a sweetener that contains zero calories and no carbohydrates, monk fruit extract may be the perfect choice. Because it contains no sugar and zero calories, monk fruit extract won’t affect your blood sugar levels. Its flavor is ultra-sweet and makes it ideal for use in desserts and drinks.

Unlike other natural sweeteners, monk fruit has a milder taste than other types of sugar substitutes. Even those with sensitive palates may prefer this sweetener over other popular sugar alternatives. Despite its mild flavor, monk fruit is still quite sweet. Because of its sweet taste, some people find it a better choice when it comes to replacing sugar in recipes.

While monk fruit is not as sweet as sugar, it has the added benefit of being very versatile. If you’re concerned about the side effects of monk fruit, it’s best to avoid the product.