The term “sugar” refers to a wide variety of different forms of simple carbohydrates, one of which is white table sugar. This type of sugar, which is also known as sucrose, is the sweetener that is most frequently found in sweet baked products and sweets. Regarding the sugar known as sucrose, this is only one of the numerous different kinds of sugar that may be found naturally in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
And here’s the thing: sugar itself does not have fundamentally negative qualities. Sugar is the fuel that keeps our bodies going; thus, we really need it. Therefore, eliminating natural sources of sugar and other carbs from your diet (such as fruits, grains, and dairy products) is not a wise decision to make for your health. On the other hand, you have options when it comes to the sources of sweetness in the meals you eat.
What Exactly Are the Alternatives to Sugar?
Sugar substitutes taste sweet but don’t contain sugar. Sugar is the only common sweetener that compares in terms of caloric content, and others contain fewer calories than sugar. Sugar replacements are commonly found in foods that bear the labels “sugar-free,” “low carb,” “keto,” or “diet.” These sugar substitutes may be broken down into three categories: artificial sweeteners, novel sweeteners, and sugar alcohols.
The following are some of the artificial sweeteners that have been authorized by the FDA:
- Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)
- Saccharin Aspartame
- Advantame
- Neotame
- Sucralose
Additionally, have a look at these other sweeteners:
- Stevia
- Stevia
- Tagatose
Because novel sweeteners do not provide a substantial source of either calories or sugar, use of them does not result in weight gain or rises in blood sugar. In comparison to artificial sweeteners, they often undergo less processing and are more akin to the natural sources from which they were derived.
Synthetically produced (usually from sugars themselves), sugar alcohols are a kind of sugar alcohol. They can be found in a wide variety of processed foods.
Examples include:
- Lactitol
- Erythritol
- Maltitol
- Isomalt
- Sorbitol
- Xylitol
Keep in mind that it is essential to read the nutrition data label that is included on the packaging of food products and to avoid so-called “healthy” meals like granola or energy bars that contain added sugar.
