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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Erythritol and Splenda?

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Erythritol and Splenda are both sugar substitutes, but they differ in their nature and composition. The main differences between erythritol and Splenda are:

  1. Natural vs. Artificial: Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol found in small quantities in fruits, vegetables, and the human body, while Splenda is a brand of artificial sweetener containing sucralose.
  2. Extraction and Production: Erythritol can be obtained from corn starch using enzymes and fermentation, whereas Splenda is made directly from sugar through a chemical process.
  3. Sweetness Level: Erythritol has a sweetness level close to that of sugar, making it suitable for baking and cooking. Splenda, on the other hand, is much sweeter than sugar and is often used in smaller quantities to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
  4. Aftertaste: Some people may find erythritol to have a less noticeable aftertaste compared to Splenda. However, individual preferences and sensitivity to aftertastes may vary.
  5. Calories: Erythritol is a zero-calorie sweetener, while Splenda (sucralose) has zero calories but is often combined with maltodextrin, which adds a small number of calories to the product.

In summary, erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol found in some foods and the human body, while Splenda is a brand of artificial sweetener containing sucralose. Erythritol is often used for baking and cooking due to its sweetness level being close to sugar, while Splenda is a much sweeter alternative that may be used in smaller quantities. Individual preferences and sensitivities to aftertastes may influence which sweetener is more suitable for a particular person.

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  • What is the Difference Between Erythritol and Splenda?
  • Comparative Table: Erythritol vs Splenda

    • Comparative Table: Erythritol vs Splenda

    Erythritol and Splenda are both sweeteners, but they differ in their natural occurrence, chemical composition, and uses. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between erythritol and Splenda:

    Property Erythritol Splenda
    Natural Occurrence Found naturally in many vegetables and fruits, such as watermelon, pears, and grapes. It is also produced by the human body. A brand of artificial sweetener containing sucralose sugar.
    Chemical Composition Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10O4 and the IUPAC name (2R,3S)-butane-1,2,3,4-tetrol. Sucralose is an artificial sweetener with the chemical formula C12H19Cl3O8.
    Calories A gram of erythritol contains 0.2 calories. Sucralose has zero calories.
    Glycemic Index Erythritol has a glycemic index of 0. Sucralose may have a slight impact on blood sugar levels.
    Uses Erythritol is often used in low-carb or keto diets as a sugar substitute in cooking and baking. Splenda is primarily used for sweetening drinks and providing sweetness to foods.
    Aftertaste Erythritol has very little to no aftertaste. Some people may experience a mild cooling sensation when eating erythritol-sweetened foods. Sucralose is known to have a slightly bitter aftertaste.

    In summary, erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol obtained from corn starch using enzymes and fermentation, while Splenda is a brand of artificial sweetener containing sucralose sugar. Erythritol is often used in cooking and baking, while Splenda is used for providing sweetness to drinks and foods without calories or a significant impact on blood sugar levels.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.