Erythritol
Erythritol is a natural sweetener that looks and tastes like sugar, yet has only 5% of sugar’s calories or 0.2 calories per gram. Erythritol is approximately 70% as sweet as cane sugar (sucrose). Classified as a sugar alcohol or polyol, erythritol can be manufactured from starches, or extracted from plants. It’s naturally occurring in many foods, including grapes, melons, and mushrooms, as well as fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, soy sauce, beer, and wine.

Erythritol scores a zero on the glycemic index whereas sugar scores a 100. Therefore, erythritol does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels. Erythritol is unique among sugar alcohols, as 90% of it is absorbed through the small intestine and eliminated through normal bodily functions. As a result, it does not cause any laxative effects whereas polyols like xylitol might.Erythritol has a cooling effect in the mouth, similar to xylitol, and is among the strongest cooling effects of all sugar alcohols.

Manufacture of Erythritol
Erythritol is the first polyol to be industrially manufactured by a fermentation process. Glucose derived from starch is fermented using yeast. The fermented broth is heated to kill any microorganisms. It’s then, crystallized, washed, dissolved, and purified using an ion exchange resin. The erythritol solution is purified further by ultra filtration and recrystallization. The end result is crystallized erythritol with a purity of over 99.5% which complies with FDA regulations.

Dental Benefits
Erythritol has been certified as dental friendly. Because erythritol is a sugar alcohol, it cannot be metabolized by bacteria in the mouth, and so does not contribute to tooth decay. The benefits of using erythritol as a healthy alternative to sugar and as part of a comprehensive program including proper dental hygiene have been recognized by the American Dental Association. The FDA states that polyols like erythritol do not promote tooth decay.

Safe for Diabetics
Erythritol granules have a clean, sweet taste and won’t raise blood sugar or affect insulin levels. It’s a welcome choice for diabetics as an alternative to refined sugar.

Using Erythritol
Erythritol can be used for sweetening beverages, as well as baking and cooking. One cup of erythritol equals two thirds of a cup of sugar in baking. Recipes that rely on sugar to add moistness will require more liquid.

Scones: These delightful scones are moist, creamy and simple to make.