Erythritol Sweetener Fact Sheet
Neil E. Levin, CCN, DANLA
11/4/04
LIKELY USERS: People on low-carb diets, People on calorie-restricted diets, People on restricted blood sugar diets, People concerned about dental caries (cavities).
KEY INGREDIENT(S): Erythritol crystals
MAIN PRODUCT FEATURES
Physical properties:
A transparent white brilliant appearance, free-flowing crystalline powder. A very clean, sweet taste profile, similar to sucrose with no significant after-taste. The dry form exhibits a strong cooling effect. Has a similar look and taste to sugar. Erythritol will brown like sugar.
Sweetness:
Only about 70% as sweet as sugar; one teaspoon is equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar in baking measurements.
- Fewer calories than white sugar: less than 0.2 calories per gram, only 5% as much as sucrose
- A sugar alcohol that is not a source of “impact carbs” that raise blood sugar Suitable for low-carb (carbohydrate-restricted) diets
- “Zero” glycemic index sweetener, also rated “zero” on the insulinemic index
- Does not affect serum glucose or insulin levels.
- Will not promote tooth decay
- Laxative effects are unlikely, unlike some other sugar alcohols
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES: No artificial sweeteners, designated as GRAS (generally regarded as safe) status by the FDA. Pesticides: Absent (at ppm level)
AMOUNT TO USE: One or more teaspoons, as desired. 1.5 teaspoon has about the sweetness of a teaspoon of sugar.
SYNERGISTS: Flavor mixes well with other sweeteners, can be blended with them to “cut” them and improve their flavor.
CAUTIONS: Large doses are unlikely to have a laxative effect, unlike most other sugar alcohols. Doses of 1 gram per kilogram (2.2#) of body weight, equivalent to 68 grams per 150-pound adult, are typically well tolerated by adults. No other known cautions.
More Information on Erythritol
Many of you have been made well aware of the many dangers imposed by the over-consumption of conventional sugars and artificial sweeteners. So have we. And that’s why we’re so excited to introduce new Erythritol. Since the early 1990’s, the popularity of this low-calorie, white crystalline sugar alcohol has steadily increased, and is now becoming the norm among many consumers and businesses alike. With a sweetness that is approximately 70% that of sucrose, a non-hygroscopic texture to prevent clumping and easy digestibility, it’s easy to see why so many are turning to this completely safe polyol.*
Low Calorie
One of Erythritol’s most unique characteristics is its incredibly low caloric content. While polyols are generally known for being low calorie by nature, Erythritol exemplifies this characteristic, and contains just 0.2 calories per gram.
Safe for Teeth
Erythritol is non-cariogenic, and does not metabolize the oral bacteria that break down sugars and starches needed to produce the acids that lead to cavities and decay. In fact, the FDA recently released a qualified health claim stating that polyols including Erythritol “do not promote tooth decay”.*
Won’t Raise Blood Sugar
Several studies have suggested that Erythritol won’t raise blood sugar or insulin levels, and may therefore be a safe alternative to sucrose-based foods designed especially for diabetics.*
Easily Digested
Based on the small size and unique molecular structure of Erythritol, it is easily absorbed by the small intestine. As a result, gas and laxation are far less likely in comparison to sucrose.*
Zero Impact Carbs
As one of only two polyols that carry a glycemic index of zero, Erythritol has zero “impact carbohydrates”.*
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