Related Sponsors

What Sweeteners Are Used In Sugar Free Candy?

Home » Weight Loss » Sugar Free Candy » What Sweeteners Are Used In Sugar Free Candy?
Posted by Your Guide on October 11, 2006 9:22 AM

Maltitol is an artificial sweetener with a sugar-like taste. It is commonly used in sugar free candies and is lower in calories than sugar. It is a sugar alcohol and raises blood sugar levels slowly.

Some individuals who are sensitive to sugar substitutes may experience stomach discomfort and a laxative effect. It is recommended that you start with ¼ of the normal serving size.

Sugar alcohols are a category of sugar substitutes that include maltitol, sorbitol and others. Maltitol is derived from corn. They are not sugar and they do not contain alcohol. Sugar alcohols provide fewer calories than table sugar and do not raise blood glucose levels as dramatically as table sugar. Sugar alcohols are commonly used to sweeten sugar free candies.

Splenda, also known as sucralose, is also used in sugar free candies and is derived from sugar, but is not metabolized by the body so it does not affect blood sugar levels and has no calories.

Polydextrose is partially derived from glucose, but has been altered so the body does not metabolize it. It adds fiber and bulk to sugar free candy. It is also low calorie, adding only 1 calorie per gram, and has not effect on glycemic index.

Next Page: What Is Sugar Alcohols?

Related Articles