What are some sugar substitutes?

There are many different sugar substitutes available, each with its unique properties and uses. Here are some of the most common sugar substitutes:

1. Sucralose (Splenda): Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is made from sucrose, but the three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced by three chlorine atoms. Sucralose is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a popular choice for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It is also heat-stable, making it suitable for use in baking and cooking.

2. Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal): Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine. Aspartame is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it another popular choice for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, some people report experiencing headaches or other adverse reactions to aspartame.

3. Acesulfame potassium (Sunett, Sweet One): Acesulfame potassium is a synthetic sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is made from acetoacetic acid and potassium hydroxide. Acesulfame potassium is calorie-free and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. It is also heat-stable, making it suitable for use in baking and cooking.

4. Stevia (Truvia, PureVia): Stevia is a natural sweetener that is derived from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is 200-400 times sweeter than sugar, but it contains no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Stevia is a popular choice for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, some people find that stevia has a bitter aftertaste.

5. Monk fruit extract (Lakanto, Pure Monk Fruit): Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener that is derived from the monk fruit, a small round fruit native to China. It is 150-200 times sweeter than sugar, but it contains no calories and does not raise blood sugar levels. Monk fruit extract is a relatively new sweetener on the market, but it is quickly gaining popularity due to its natural origin and lack of aftertaste.

6. Erythritol (Swerve, Truvia): Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that is found in small amounts in some fruits and vegetables. It is 70% as sweet as sugar, but it contains only 5% of the calories. Erythritol does not raise blood sugar levels and is well-tolerated by most people. However, it can cause digestive upset in some people, especially if consumed in large amounts.