Do you know Allulose? Discover alternatives for sweetening foods and drinks

When we think of sugar, we most likely imagine the same type: sprinkles used in cookies or to sweeten coffee.

But there are many different types of sugars. Including a product called allulose, which many people aren’t aware of.

Allulose is considered a rare sugar because it occurs naturally only in small quantities in plant-based foods.

It is a type of sugar found in wheat and some fruits, such as figs. Allulose is absorbed slowly by the body and does not affect blood sugar levels.

Because of its poor impact on blood glucose, allulose has attracted the attention of those on diets that limit carbohydrate and sugar intake.

Avoiding excessive consumption of refined sugar helps prevent and control diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. It also prevents tooth decay, heart disease and fatty liver, for example.

See below the different types of products used to sweeten foods and drinks. And define which one is best for your profile and personal taste.

Bee honey is a natural sweetener that contains nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, iron and calcium. It is found in jars or tubes, in different types: wild and eucalyptus are among the most appreciated.

Honey brings benefits such as strengthening the immune system, acting as an antioxidant, improving digestion and maintaining healthy intestinal flora.

Stevia is a natural sweetener obtained from the Stevia Rebaudiana Bertoni plant and is found in supermarkets and health food stores in the form of a powder or drops.

It has the ability to sweeten approximately 300 times more than normal sugar, with the advantage of having no calories.

Saccharin and sucralose are also popular options for those who want or need to avoid sugar. Different brands compete for the market.

Coconut sugar has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a large increase in sugar concentration in the body and does not stimulate fat production, helping to control weight.

Additionally, coconut sugar is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc and potassium, but since it is high in fructose, it should be used in moderation.

Brown sugar is made from sugar cane, but does not undergo a refining process like white sugar.

This ensures that its nutrients are preserved in the final product. It therefore contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus.

Erythritol is a natural sweetener that has the same origin as xylitol, but contains only 0.2 calories per gram, making it a WHO recommended sweetener.

It has about 70% of the sweetening power of sugar and can be used by people with diabetes or who want to lose weight.