The IAA One Minute Blog

With so many sugar substitutes being produced, what type is right for you to use?

What are Sugar Substitutes?

Artificial sweeteners, also called sugar substitutes, are substances that are used instead of sucrose (table sugar) to sweeten foods and beverages.

The most common sugar substitutes are:

• Aspartame: It is mostly used to sweeten diet soft drinks
• Saccharin:  It is used mainly in diet foods and drinks
• Stevia: Made from an herbal plant and is used in foods and drinks
• Sucralose: It’s in many diet foods and drinks

Artificial sweeteners are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is required to approve additives, including artificial sweeteners before they can be made available for sale.

Types of Sugar Substitutes

There are quite a few types of sugar substitutes:

1. Artificial sweeteners: These are synthetic sugar substitutes, but many may be derived from naturally occurring substances. These are attractive alternatives to sugar because they add virtually no calories to your diet. One of the benefits of artificial sweeteners is that they don’t contribute to tooth decay and cavities. They may also help with weight control because of their lack of calories. For diabetics, artificial sweeteners may be a good alternative to sugar. Unlike sugar, artificial sweeteners generally don’t raise blood sugar levels.
2. Sugar alcohols and novel sweeteners: These are carbohydrates that occur naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, but they also can be manufactured. Sugar alcohols contain calories, but they’re lower in calories than regular sugar is, making them an attractive alternative. Novel sweeteners are combinations of various types of sweeteners. They are hard to fit into one category because of what they’re made from and how they’re made. One possible health benefit of sugar alcohols is weight control. Sugar alcohols are considered nutritive sweeteners because they contribute calories to your diet. Still, sugar alcohols have fewer calories than regular sugar. This means that sugar alcohols can be considered lower calorie sweeteners, and they may aid weight control efforts. For diabetics, unlike artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols can raise blood sugar levels because they are carbohydrates. But because your body doesn’t completely absorb sugar alcohols, their effect on blood sugar is less than that of other sugars. It is important to note that there are a few health concerns associated with sugar alcohols. When eaten in large amounts, usually more than 50 grams, sugar alcohols can have a laxative effect.
3.  Natural sweeteners: They are often promoted as healthier options than processed table sugar or other sugar substitutes. Although natural sugar substitutes may seem healthier than processed table sugar, their vitamin and mineral content isn’t significantly different from that of sugar. There is no health advantage to consuming any type of added sugar. Consuming too much added sugar, even natural sugars, can lead to health problems.

Weight control and health issues are hard enough to tackle—knowing which type of sugar substitute to use shouldn’t have to be an added concern!

What IAA has to Say

Love that morning cup of coffee, but concerned about what type of sugar substitute you are adding? Make sure to find out what’s best for your health! Just think of Insurance Administrator of America as your third party barista—now, who got the non-fat mocha latte with skim milk? Remember, with IAA one call does it all.

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