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Posted on 03/08/2019 3:41:41 PM PST by fwdude
I’ve jumped on the train to better, sugar-free health and have been trying the more healthy sweeteners - the “sugar alcohols” that aren’t supposed to be as questionable as the synthetics (Aspartame, Saccharin, Sucrolase, etc.) Just wondering what experience other FReeper have had with these, and what preferences you’ve come to.
I’ve been using Stevia for a couple of years now and like it’s very sugar-like flavor and potency. I recently bought some Xylitol and Erytritol, to not so glowing report. I found the Xylitol just OK, but I had to use a lot of it to have a sweetening effect. I also bought some Erythritol and though that the after taste was somewhat unpleasant, and had to use a lot of it to get any sweetening effect as well.
So, in order of “like:” - Stevia - Xylitol - Erythritol
I’ve noticed that a lot of the Stevia products are cut with Erythritol, probably for economy sake and to cut the intensity. That’s okay with me, as long as it covers up the aftertaste of Erythritol.
Any others that I’m missing?
That’s scary! I’ve heard of the health hazards of the artificial sweeteners and how these have been downplayed, but that’s really seriously scary.
Allulose, acesulfame potassium, and Monk Fruit Extract.
I prefer acesulfame potassium and Allulose between those.
Canada has or had another one ten years ago, but I couldn’t find it. It tasted very good.
We use stevia and drink Zevia’s rather than diet sodas. They are carbonated drinks made with stevia.
Also, we’ve tried to cut out grains and sugars, and eat fresh. This has helped cut out inflammation especially for my husband and his arthritic symptoms are clearing up.
Agave extract. It has a slow burn.
Aspartame has long been off my list for decades.
Saccharin was off my list long before Aspartame has been.
Stevia has a bad taste, imo.
Agave is too high in carbs.
Spenda and its generic store brand is my choice.
Pancake syrup and honey made with Splenda are good.
Black Strap Molasses is ok when you need just a spoonful of something-something when baking and cooking family sized dishes.
Just this week, I’ve tried to give up sweeteners and am doing without any in my coffee. Have done without any in iced tea for years but somehow want it in hot tea.
Type II diabetic & try to avoid even the substitutes. Diet Coke/Pepsi with an occasional subway is about it. I drink a lot of soda stream carbonated water without flavoring.
Life can be lived without sugar, maple syrup, honey, or molasses. You need to take a stand though, there is no free ride regardless of the marketing promises.
After years I can now buy treats for my wife & abstain myself. It just took a long time.
I made some sugar free, flourless choc chip cookies last weekend with xylitol and stevia sweetened chocolate chips. Used almond flour instead, butter and coconut oil. Real eggs. They were out of this world.
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Stevia is more like a spice but is not spicy, it is very sweet.
Be careful with xylitol, it won’t hurt you but it can kill your dog.
Stevia extract. Stevia leaves also are good if you miss your own herbal teas.
You can also grow your own plants: https://www.amazon.com/Outsidepride-Stevia-Sweetleaf-Plant-Seeds/dp/B006RV7GVM/
But they cause incredible gas and even diarrhea in a significant percentage of the population. I'm surprised they aren't required to be sold with much bigger warning labels.
Best to stick with cane sugar, maple syrup, and honey - in moderation, of course. Your body knows how to deal with these substances, unlike HFCS or artificial sweeteners.
Yeah, I heard about xylitol and dogs. Thanks.
Recipe or link to it please!?
You have to consume a lot of these sugar alcohols before they result in diarrhea, an unreasonable amount.
That can be said of any good food. I’ll sometimes gorge on cashews and they have the same effect.
I like sugar and I put it in my tea.
I rarely drink soda and never diet. Except for several times a year I drink one from the few companies that use real sugar and not corn syrup.
I’d rather limit sugar intake to a reasonable level than to consume any of the sugar substitutes.
I’ve never tasted an artificial sweetener that didn’t make me gag. I stick to raw sugar or real maple syrup. But I use it sparingly.
Just go without for a while and then you’ll start to taste sweetness in foods you hadn’t previously realized were sweet, and many regular treats and desserts will be too much for you.
Thanks for posting that!
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