In the field of food science and nutrition, sweeteners play a vital role in enhancing taste, modifying texture, and satisfying different consumer preferences. Sweeteners, also known as sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners, are substances used to add sweetness to food and beverages without adding calories from natural sugars. Based on the source, these compounds can be divided into two major categories: natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners.
Derived from plants or natural sources, such as stevia extract, honey, and maple syrup.
Compounds synthesized to imitate the taste of sugar, such as aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose.
Sweetener Examples
| Stevia | A natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, known for its intense sweetness and zero calorie content. |
| Aspartame | An artificial sweetener commonly used in diet sodas and sugar-free products that provides sweetness without the calories of sugar. |
| Sucralose | A non-nutritive sweetener made from sugar that has a high sweetness and minimal effect on blood sugar levels. |
| Sucrose | Sucrose is mainly extracted from sugar cane or sugar beets, and after processing and refining, it becomes refined sucrose. Common forms include white sugar, raw sugar, brown sugar, etc. |
| Honey | Honey contains a variety of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, and has many benefits for the human body, such as enhancing immunity, promoting digestion, moisturizing the skin, and relieving coughs. |
| Sugar alcohols | A class of chemicals with a sweet taste and low calories, often used as a sweetener to replace sugar. Sugar alcohols are similar to glucose, but their structures are different, so they are metabolized differently by the human body. |
| Licorice | Licorice is a calorie-free natural sweetener that can replace sugar and other high-calorie sweeteners, reducing sugar intake while providing a purer taste. |
Application of Sweeteners
Sweeteners are widely used in food processing to increase the sweetness of food and improve the taste. They can be used in a variety of foods and beverages, such as candies, biscuits, beverages, ice cream, etc.
Sweeteners are also used in the manufacture of drugs, especially liquid drugs or oral drugs. Sweeteners can mask the bitterness or irritation of drugs and make them easier to take.
- Chewing Gum and Breath Fresheners
Sweeteners are widely used in the manufacture of chewing gum and breath fresheners, which can help eliminate bad breath and provide a fresh taste.
Sweeteners are also used in animal feed and food additives, which can help improve the taste of animal feed and increase the appetite of animals.
Food features
- High safety
- Good taste
- High stability
- Good water solubility
- Reasonable price
As a trusted professional dietary supplement supplier, Alfa Chemistry focuses on high-quality food additives that are rigorously tested to ensure safety and effectiveness. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
