Sugar Substitute

Sugar substitutes are often used by those watching their sugar intake due to medical reasons such as diabetes or hyperglycemia. However, others might do so in order to help them lose weight or to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of sugar substitutes on the market which can make it difficult to choose which one will suit your needs. While it is true that they are all sweet, they also all have different textures and even different flavors. This guide will help direct you to some of the more common sugar substitutes so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Saccharin and aspartame have been used as sugar substitutes for quite awhile now. You will notice packets of blue and pink sugar substitutes on tables in restaurants. These tend to mix well with cold or hot beverages and have a fine texture to it. However, the downside many notice is that these often have an aftertaste and have proven to cause cancer in lab rats. Both saccharin and aspartame are common in soft drinks and diet foods.

Splenda has come on the scene, marketed as a safe alternative to the previously mentioned sugar substitutes. Splenda is derived from sugar, called a sucralose sweetener. You can find Splenda in many types of “diet foods” now from carbonated beverages to desserts. It is seen as more of a health food than its competitors. One of the biggest compliments about Splenda is the lack of aftertaste. The granulated version measures the same as sugar, used for baking. There is also a finer ground variety that is sweeter and a brown sugar Splenda as well.

Stevia comes from an herbal plant called Sweetleaf. Stevia has been shown to help those on diabetic diets or with high blood pressure due to its low effect on glucose levels. Some describe it as a liquorish taste with a long aftertaste. You can find Stevia in a fine white powder form. It does not mix as easily into drinks as other sweeteners. It is also not approved as a food in many countries. However, the US FDA has lifted its claim that Stevia is an “unsafe food additive”.