Erythritol is rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious Australians who have been looking for methods to enjoy sweet delicacies without the added sugar in recent years. In Australia, erythritol is a name you should keep in mind if you’re looking for a natural, low-calorie sweetener. However, where can I obtain erythritol in Australia, what is it exactly, and is it safe? Let’s dissect it.
- Is erythritol good or bad for you?
- What is the healthiest sugar substitute?
- What is erythritol made out of?
- Which is safer, stevia or erythritol?
What is Erythritol?
Certain fruits and fermented foods naturally contain erythritol, a kind of sugar alcohol. It has only about 0.24 calories per gram, or roughly 6% of the calories of sugar, while tasting a lot like sugar! It is a great sugar substitute for baking, drinks, and low-carb dishes because it is about 70% sweeter than sugar.
Additionally, it doesn’t raise blood sugar, is tooth-friendly, and is frequently incorporated into low-carb, diabetic, and ketogenic diets.
Is Erythritol Safe?
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) all agree that erythritol is safe to eat. It has very few calories because it mostly goes through your body undigested.
Like other sugar alcohols, though, some people may experience digestive pain if they consume significant amounts. However, when administered in moderate amounts, erythritol is usually more well tolerated than xylitol or sorbitol.
Erythritol vs. Other Sweeteners
Stevia, monk fruit, sucralose, and other sugar substitutes are widely available in the Australian market. What distinguishes erythritol?
- Taste: Unlike stevia, it has a clear, sweet flavor without a bitter aftertaste.
- Texture: It provides the same feeling and weight as sugar in baking.
- Stability: Erythritol is perfect for baking and cooking because it doesn’t degrade when heated.
- Impact on Blood Sugar: It is ideal for diabetics because it has a glycemic index of zero.
Where to Buy Erythritol in Australia
In Australia, erythritol is commonly accessible both online and in physical places. It is available at:
- Health food outlets such as Go Vita or Healthy Life
- Woolworths, Coles, and IGA are supermarkets (typically in the baking or health food section).
- Internet merchants including iHerb, Amazon Australia, and Australian supplement shops
- Bulk food retailers such as Honest to Goodness or The Source Bulk Foods
Lakanto Monkfruit + Erythritol Blend, Naturally Sweet Erythritol, and Naturals by Equal are a few well-known erythritol-based products in Australia.
How Erythritol Is Used
Erythritol can be used to nearly any recipe that calls for sugar. It’s perfect for:
- Making cakes, biscuits, or muffins
- Making tea or coffee sweeter
- Making chocolate or ice cream at home that is keto-friendly
- Sprinkle on pancakes or oats
Keep in mind that you may need to modify your recipes to suit your taste because it is a little less sweet than sugar.