Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Latest alternative sweetener scores

We rate the hottest sweeteners on the market. You may find these names in food products as well as tabletop sugar alternatives. This is not a complete list, mostly what you will see in various health foods. Aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are not listed because we have been very outspoken with our distaste for these substances.

Approve

Inulin and oligofructose - natural dietary fibers extracted from the chicory root. Some are sensitive to chicory, but otherwise, a safe ingredient.

Stevia - we have loved stevia for years as a tabletop sugar alternative; it has a great safety record with our clients; it also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels

Palatinose - derived from the sugar beet, then is treated with microbial enzymes; it is very low glycemic and kind to teeth

Xylitol - dervied from corn, which rules this out for many; however, is very safe, helpful in preventing tooth decay, and can be used in a wide variety of products; must be eaten in moderation because it may create intestinal disturbance

Disapprove

Isomalt - a sugar alcohol that can create intestinal disturbances

Shugr - a sweetener blend (popular trend at the moment) of erythritol, maltodextrin, tagatose, and sucralose. A house of horrors!

Sunett - artificial sweetener blend. Anything that has a lng shelf-life and does not degrade over time scares us.

Tagatose - natural sweetener usually derived from milk and carries a high pH.

Bonnie and Steve

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