Sometimes, there’s nothing more deliciously tempting than a sugary treat. When you’re craving sweets, occasionally, you just feel the need to give in. We’re all human. We get it.
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For people looking to cut down on added sugars, sugar substitutes can seem like finding the cheat code for healthier desserting. They’re sweet. They’re “better for you.” They get the job done.
So, when a new kind of sweetener hits the market, you might wonder if it’s all it’s cracked up to be.
What is allulose? And is it the alternative you’re looking for? Registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, dishes about the new sweetie.
Allulose is a naturally occurring sugar found in figs, raisins, wheat, maple syrup and molasses. It’s sweet like table sugar (sucrose) but without some of sugar’s well-documented downsides.
You can find allulose for sale online and in some retail stores. Because it occurs naturally in very small amounts, the allulose you find packaged for sale isn’t its natural form. It has been created artificially by food scientists from fructose (fruit sugar).
“Chemically, allulose is similar to fructose, which is found naturally in fruits,” DiMarino explains. “It’s roughly 70% as sweet as sugar, so it tastes very similar. It is also not absorbed into the body, and therefore, does not contribute to your daily caloric intake.”
That sounds like a win for anyone who’s looking to cut back on sugar. But before you dive in, DiMarino walks us through the pros and cons.
Overall, allulose is the closest to processed sugar in both taste and texture while holding less calories. Erythritol has a taste very similar to sugar with no aftertaste but can create a cooling sensation in the mouth.
Pro: Doesn’t cause tooth decay
Your dentist will thank you for this one. Unlike sugar, allulose isn’t metabolized in your mouth, which can help keep cavities and other dental problems at bay.
Pro: No effect on insulin
Allulose doesn’t affect your blood glucose or insulin, making it a viable substitution for people living with diabetes.
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FAQ
What sweeteners taste the most like sugar?
Does stevia or Splenda taste more like sugar?
Which tastes more like sugar truvia or stevia?
What is made from sugar so it tastes like sugar?
Which sugar alternative has the most sugar-like taste?
However, after a thorough analysis and comparison of these sugar alternatives, it is safe to say that erythritol and xylitol provide the most sugar-like taste. Apart from their similar taste to sugar, they are also low in calories and have minimal impact on blood sugar.
What is the best sugar substitute?
Stevia, monk fruit, certain sugar alcohols, and allulose are much lower in calories than table sugar and do not significantly affect blood sugar levels, making them a smart alternative to refined sugar.
Do sugar substitutes taste sweet?
Some people use products called sugar substitutes, also known as artificial sweeteners. They taste sweet like sugar but have fewer calories. Some have no calories. Many sugar substitutes taste sweeter than sugar. So very little is needed to sweeten foods and drinks. Other sugar substitutes called sugar alcohols are not as sweet as sugar.
What sweeteners can I use instead of sugar?
Artificial Sweeteners – Asparatame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose. Brown Sugar Substitutes – Variations of one of the above. Powdered Sugar Substitutes – Any of the above ground to a fine powder.