Types of sweeteners
More and more people are removing sugar from the menu and going for light. More than a third of people, both men and women, sometimes use a sweetener. Sugar substitutes do not involve extra kilograms. They are also not bad for the teeth. But remember: too much is harmful, even with low-calorie sweeteners.
There are two types of sweeteners: intensive and extensive. Intensive sweeteners are sweeter than sugar, while extensive sweeteners are less sweet. The intensive sweeteners therefore form the basis for sweets. Of this group of artificial sweeteners with a high sweetening power, aspartame and saccharin are the best-known types. Of the extensive sweeteners, the best known are the so-called sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and sorbitol. These substances have much less sweetening power than sugar. They are mainly used in chewing gum, liquorice, candy and products for diabetics.
Intensive sweeteners
aspartame
Aspartame is made up of amino acids and has no bitter aftertaste. It contains as many calories as sugar. The sweetness is two hundred times as strong. Aspartame contains a so-called methyl from which the body can form a toxic substance. Whether this can make you sick has not been proven. However, it is established that large amounts of aspartame are not completely safe. You cannot heat this sweetener.
Saccharin
Saccharin has a bitter aftertaste. If you take it in large amounts, it is said to be carcinogenic. Saccharin contains no calories. It is 300 to 500 times sweeter than sugar.
Cyclamate
Cyclamate has a bitter aftertaste. It is thirty times sweeter than sugar and provides no energy. Cyclamate is harmful in large quantities. You may heat this sweetener.
Acesulfame K
Acesulfame K tastes just like sugar and has no bitter aftertaste. This sweetener is often used in combination with other sweeteners. It is 150 to 200 times sweeter than sugar and contains no calories.
Extensive sweeteners
sorbitol
Sorbitol is found in some fruits. It is widely used in pastries, jams and pickled fruits. This sweetener provides 2.4 kilocalories per gram. It is less sweet than sugar.
Xylitol
Xylitol is made from birch wood. It is mainly found in toothpaste, chewing gum and natural products. Xylitol has even been shown to prevent tooth decay because it kills bacteria in the mouth. But beware: when used in large quantities (40 grams or more), these seasonings can have a laxative effect.
fructose
Fructose is absorbed more slowly than glucose and sucrose. It may – in consultation with the dietician – also be used by diabetics. In Germany this sweetener is often recommended, in the Netherlands less so.