Sugar Substitutes In Recipes

Sugar substitutes are used in place of sugar to sweeten items, typically with fewer calories than sugar. A number of different sugar substitutes are commercially available, but they may have different chemical properties. In order to properly bake or cook with a sugar substitute, choose substitutes that are able to withstand high temperatures.

Sucralose

Sucralose is the most heat-stable of all of the sugar substitutes, so it is often the preferred replacement for sugar in recipes. Sucralose is made from sugar, or sucrose, but the compound is adjusted in such a way that it is not absorbed by the body. Because it is not absorbed, sucralose does not affect blood sugar, making it a good choice for those with diabetes, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Sucralose is one of the later-discovered sugar substitutes. It was first discovered in 1989 in London, but was not approved for use in the United States until 1998. Sucralose has no calories and is approximately 600 times sweeter than regular sugar. It is available commercially under the brand name Splenda. According to Splenda.com, the sugar substitute can be used in place of sugar for all types of recipes and measures cup for cup like sugar.

Saccharin

Saccharin is one of the most popular sugar substitutes. The compound was discovered in 1879 and was one of the first sugar substitutes available. Saccharin is heat-resistant so it can be used successfully in various recipes. Depending on its usage, saccharin can range from 200 to 700 times sweeter than sugar. When using saccharin in recipes, substituting only half of the sugar with the artificial sweetener may yield the best taste results. Saccharin can be used in all types of recipes from desserts to entrees to condiments. Eight teaspoons of saccharin, or 24 packets, will replace the equivalent of one cup of sugar. Saccharin is available for purchase under the brand name Sweet'N Low.

Acesulfame K

Acesulfame K, also referred to as acesulfame potassium, can also replace sugar in any types of recipes and is ideal for cooking and baking due to its heat-resistance. Acesulfame K contains zero calories and is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. Like saccharin, one cup of sugar is equivalent to 8 teaspoons, or 24 packets of acesulfame K. Available brand names of acesulfame K include Sunett and Sweet One.

Stevia

Stevia is a natural sugar substitute that was approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration in 2008. The sweetener is actually an extract from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, which grows in South America. Stevia is heat-stable, contains no calories and does not affect blood sugar levels. Like the other sweeteners, stevia is sweeter than regular sugar, so added amounts should be adjusted for taste. Stevia is an ideal sugar substitute in baked goods, smoothies and beverages, however, it can also be used for entrees and savory dishes. One cup of sugar is equal to 1/3 cup plus 1 Tablespoon stevia. Available brand names of stevia include Truvia, PureVia and SweetLeaf.