As Australians become more health-conscious and seek alternatives to traditional sugar, erythritol has emerged as a popular natural sweetener. One of the main reasons for its rising popularity is its remarkably low calorie content compared to regular sugar. This blog post breaks down the calorie content of erythritol, how it compares to sugar, and why it’s a favored choice for those looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness.
What Is Erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (polyol) naturally found in small amounts in fruits like grapes and melons, as well as fermented foods such as wine, cheese, and soy sauce. Commercially, it is produced by fermenting plant starches such as corn or wheat, resulting in a white crystalline powder that looks and tastes similar to sugar.
How Many Calories Does Erythritol Have?
Erythritol contains approximately 0.2 to 0.24 calories per gram, which is roughly 95% fewer calories than table sugar, which has 4 calories per gram. This means that erythritol provides sweetness with almost negligible calories, making it an excellent choice for calorie-conscious Australians.
Why Does Erythritol Have So Few Calories?
Unlike sugar, erythritol is mostly absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine and then excreted unchanged in the urine. This means that it is not metabolized for energy, so it contributes virtually no usable calories to the body. Additionally, erythritol does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels, making it suitable for people managing diabetes or following low-carb diets.
How Sweet Is Erythritol Compared to Sugar?
Erythritol is about 70% as sweet as sugar. Because of this, you might need to use slightly more erythritol to achieve the same level of sweetness in recipes. Despite this, the calorie savings remain significant.
Benefits of Low-Calorie Erythritol for Australians
- Weight Management: With only 0.2 calories per gram, erythritol helps reduce overall calorie intake without sacrificing sweetness.
- Blood Sugar Control: It has a negligible effect on blood glucose and insulin, making it ideal for diabetics and those on ketogenic or low-carb diets.
- Dental Health: Erythritol is tooth-friendly because oral bacteria cannot metabolize it, thus it does not contribute to cavities.
- Digestive Tolerance: Compared to other sugar alcohols, erythritol is generally well tolerated, though excessive consumption may cause mild digestive discomfort.
Where to Find Erythritol in Australia?
Erythritol is widely available in Australian supermarkets, health food stores, and online. Brands such as Pure Product Australia, Naturally Sweet, and Nirvana Organics offer erythritol in various sizes and forms, including granulated powder suitable for cooking and baking.
Erythritol’s extremely low calorie content-only about 0.2 calories per gram-makes it a standout sugar alternative for Australians aiming to cut calories and manage blood sugar without giving up sweetness. Its natural origin, tooth-friendly properties, and versatility in cooking and baking have helped it become a trusted ingredient in many households. When used in moderation, erythritol can be a valuable part of a healthier lifestyle.