Sweet Alternatives

Erythritol

Powder derived from the sugar alcohol in pears, grapes, and melons.

• Low cal (0.2 calories per gram)
• FDA approved as a sweetener

• High doses can cause stomach upset

• Use an equal amount to replace sugar in any recipe
• Look for it as Zsweet

Stevia

Powder or liquid extract from the leaves of the South American stevia (Stevia rebaudiana bertoni) plant.

• Calorie-free
• Heat stable
• 200 times sweeter than cane sugar

• Can have a bitter aftertaste
• FDA-approved as a dietary supplement only

• Great for baking; try it in brownies and fudge
• 1 teaspoon pure stevia extract is as sweet as 1 cup of sugar

Xylitol

Powder derived from the sugar alcohol in plums, strawberries, and raspberries.

• Helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting bacteria
• 40 percent fewer calories than sugar; same sweetness

• High doses (30 grams per day) may cause stomachaches

• Use an equal amount of xylitol as you would sugar
• Look for it as Xylosweet