Sweeteners Hidden in Food – Click Here for Sugar Alternatives

“Light” and “Zero” are specifically advertised as being low or sugar-free. However, sugar substitutes are often used in these products. here you are:

As we all know, sugar is not as healthy as it was thought just a few decades ago. Therefore, many people choose "zero" or "light" products because they want to avoid sugar. However, instead of sugar, it contains sugar substitutes or sugar substitutes. For a healthy diet, it is interesting to know exactly what sugar substitutes are and in which foods they can be found.

Sweeteners Hidden in Food – Click Here for Sugar Alternatives

What are sugar substitutes? The list shows everyone you need to know

Foods usually contain a lot of sugar. People are usually used to traditional types of sugar and don't think about the ingredients in sugar-free or low-sugar products. Foods are sweetened with sweeteners instead of sugar. A distinction is made between sweeteners and sugar substitutes. Sweeteners are additives and must display their substance class name or E number on the food ingredient list.

Sugar substitutes are also called sugar alcohols. The advantage over industrial sugar is that it has a smaller effect on blood sugar levels. Erythritol contains only 2 to 4 kilocalories per gram, and erythritol is completely calorie-free, making it lower in calories than sugar. It does not cause cavities and is similar to sugar in taste and volume.

Sorbitol (E 420)

Mannitol (E 421)

Isomalt (E 953)

Maltitol (E 965)

Lactitol (E966)

Xylitol (E967)

Erythritol (E 968)

Polyglycitol syrup (E 964)

Which foods contain sugar substitutes?

If you look at the ingredient list of foods and drinks you buy at the supermarket, you can easily find some of the E numbers. These numbers are hard to miss and are especially clearly marked on "Light" and "Zero" products. These products contain little or no sugar and are instead sweetened using sweeteners. But according to dental preventive assistants/dental hygienists (ZMPs) who asked HEIDELBERG24 about this, people should be wary of terms like "low sugar" and "sugar-free."

According to the definition, "'low sugar' should contain no more than 2.5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, and 'unsweetened' should contain no more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters." Sweetness This is especially included in "sugar-free" and "." Contains tooth-friendly sweets and candies. But it's not just there, it's also found in chewing gum, toothpaste, and all drinks and foods that are declared "low sugar" or "sugar-free."

Sugar substitutes and sweeteners

Sugar substitutes have only a small effect on blood sugar levels. It is very low in calories, containing only 2 to 4 kilocalories per gram, so it does not promote tooth decay and is often used in "tooth-friendly" foods. Sugar substitutes have a similar taste and quantity to sugar and can be used and processed in the same way as sugar. Available in unlimited quantity.

Sweeteners are synthetically produced or natural sugar substitutes. It's 30-37,000 times sweeter than traditional sugar. It does not cause cavities and has almost no calories. Sweeteners are lighter than sugar and have a higher sweetening power, so they cannot be processed like sugar. The maximum amount that can be used in food is limited. Whether they are safe or not is always up for debate.

Which sugar substitutes are safe?

Sugar substitutes are similar to sugar in taste and quantity, so they are used in foods like sugar. Their advantages over sugar are obvious. It is low in calories and does not cause cavities. Because it has little effect on blood sugar levels, its benefits for diabetics and people with weight problems are often discussed.

Erythritol and xylitol have proven to be particularly healthy sugar alternatives because they are particularly low in calories and are the closest to traditional white sugar. In contrast to sweeteners, sugar substitutes can be used in unlimited quantities. However, consuming large amounts of sugar alcohols can cause bloating and diarrhea.

Why are there no sugar substitutes?

According to the Consumer Advisory Center, sweeteners do not cause cavities, have low or no calories, and have minimal impact on blood sugar levels at best. However, it is better to follow general nutritional recommendations or seek professional advice. Various sweeteners are debated as being harmful to health.

More research is still needed to know the exact effects of sweeteners on the body. Therefore, the Consumer Advisory Center recommends that drinks and foods sweetened with sugar substitutes be consumed in moderation. After all, we know that sweeteners are not a healthier alternative to sugar. If you want to live a healthier life, you should reduce your sugar intake.

Hidden Sweeteners in Food

Hidden sweeteners are sugars and sugar substitutes that are added to processed and packaged foods, often without consumers being aware of their presence. These sweeteners can be found in a wide range of products, from obvious sources like desserts and beverages to less expected items like sauces, breads, and even savory snacks.

Common Hidden Sweeteners

High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): A widely used sweetener derived from corn, commonly found in sodas, candies, and baked goods.
Sucrose: Also known as table sugar, it's often added to processed foods like cereals, yogurts, and condiments.
Dextrose: A form of glucose derived from starches, used in many processed foods and snacks.
Maltose: A sugar made from two glucose molecules, frequently added to baked products.
Agave Nectar: Marketed as a natural alternative, but it has high fructose content, similar to HFCS.

Less Obvious Sweeteners

Evaporated Cane Juice: Essentially sugar, but sounds healthier on labels.
Brown Rice Syrup: Used in health foods, but still high in glucose.
Fruit Juice Concentrates: Often added to snacks and cereals, they are concentrated sources of sugar.
Molasses: A by-product of sugar production, used in baked goods and sauces.

Health Implications

Increased Caloric Intake: Hidden sugars can significantly increase the calorie content of foods, leading to weight gain.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Consuming hidden sugars can cause rapid spikes and drops in blood sugar levels, contributing to energy crashes and insulin resistance.
Dental Health: Excessive sugar consumption is a leading cause of tooth decay and cavities.
Chronic Diseases: High intake of added sugars is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers (RNZ) (Insights Care).

How to Identify Hidden Sweeteners

Read Labels: Look for the names of common and less obvious sweeteners on ingredient lists.
Check Nutritional Information: Note the amount of added sugars listed on the nutrition facts panel.
Be Wary of "Health Foods": Even products marketed as healthy can contain significant amounts of added sugars.

Reducing Intake

Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods which are naturally low in added sugars.
Homemade Meals: Prepare meals and snacks at home to control the ingredients.
Natural Sweeteners: Use natural sweeteners like fruit, honey, or maple syrup in moderation.

Understanding the presence of hidden sweeteners in food can help consumers make more informed dietary choices, leading to better overall health and wellness.

Sweeteners Hidden in Food – Click Here for Sugar Alternatives