Sweet foods are everywhere around us. Our busy schedules and lives have made us crave for more dopamine and eating sweet products is the easiest way to achieve that. However, the excessive consumption of white and brown sugar as well as substitutes like high-fructose corn syrup has caused various problems. That’s why the demand for zero-calorie artificial sweeteners has increased significantly in recent years. Most of those products are safe to consume in moderate quantities. In this post, we’ll share more about the most popular sweeteners as well as their pros and cons. If you’re interested in this topic, read our posts on erythritol artificial sweeteners and where to buy wholesale sugar.
Key takeaway: Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are primarily used by manufacturers of sugar-free beverages and sweets. Their affordable wholesale prices allow producers to reduce the cost of goods sold.
What Are Artificial Sweeteners
Before sharing more about the most common ones, it’s important to explain what artificial sweeteners are. The term is often used to describe all sugar alternatives. However, products like sugar alcohols or natural sugar substitutes don’t fall under the category of artificial sweeteners. The term primarily refers to synthetic zero-calorie sweeteners.
Most Popular Artificial Sweeteners
Aspartame
It’s 200 times sweeter than regular sugar which makes it easy to ship (read more about sugar shipping). The low cost makes aspartame the most popular artificial sweetener. It’s widely used for manufacturing diet soft drinks and other sugar-free products. Nevertheless, aspartame is a controversial ingredient and some studies link it to health issues.
Sucralose
It’s primarily used in sugar-free baked goods and certain beverages. Sucralose is more popular under the brand name Splenda. Due to its hygroscopic properties, pastries made with sucralose are drier than the ones made with regular sugar or other alternatives. One of the main concerns regarding sucralose is that it may alter gut bacteria negatively.
Acesulfame Potassium
Also known as Ace-K, this is one of the most common types of artificial sweeteners. It’s used in sugar-free candies and various types of processed food products. Ace-K is rarely used on its own. Instead, it’s often blended with other artificial sweeteners in order to achieve a flavor similar to sugar.
Other Popular Sweeteners
Many consumers prefer to buy products with natural sweeteners instead of synthetic ones. That’s why the niche market of plant-based zero-calorie sweeteners has increased substantially in recent years. The main reason why artificial sweeteners still have a higher market share is their low price and the fact that they can more easily be used to manufacture confectionery products and beverages. Let’s examine some of the most popular sugar alternatives that are not synthetically produced.
- Stevia. It’s derived from a plant and is considered the healthiest sugar substitute. Stevia does not raise blood sugar and is calorie-free. It can be used to sweeten beverages and in recipes. Wholesale sales of stevia are uncommon due to its higher price compared to aspartame.
- Monk fruit sweetener. Although it’s a fairly new product in the US, it has quickly become one of the popular zero-calorie sugar alternatives. It’s used by cooking enthusiasts and businesses that want to offer keto and diabetic-friendly desserts and pastries.
- Erythritol. This is one of the most popular sugar alcohols. Similarly to stevia, it is popular among home cooks and bakeries that offer keto baked goods. The high price of erythritol makes it less suitable for the manufacturing of sugar-free sweets and beverages. Erythritol is also used to make pet treats and cakes.
- Xylitol. The minty aftertaste of this sugar alternative is the primary reason why it’s commonly associated with the manufacturing of chewing gums. Although having significantly fewer calories compared to sugar, both xylitol and erythritol are not calorie-free. Their frequent consumption can also lead to bloating and other digestive problems.
- Honey. It’s the most popular naturally sweet product. Honey contains vitamins and antioxidants. However, it’s not sugar-free and is not suitable for people with diabetes. Nevertheless, honey can be used in baking and beverages.
Pros and Cons Artificial Sweeteners
The multiple applications and benefits of artificial sweeteners are the reason why sugar wholesale suppliers and other distributors of wholesale food products also offer such products.
Benefits of Artificial Sweeteners
- Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners contain little to no calories. This makes them suitable for consumption by people with diabetes and other dietary restrictions;
- Artificial sweeteners don’t cause cavities and are tooth-friendly;
- The long shelf life of these products is yet another advantage compared to sugar. Furthermore, since they are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, their transportation costs are lower.
Disadvantages of Artificial Sweeteners
- Although most sugar alternatives are considered to be healthy, they might affect gut health and increase cravings for sweet food;
- Some artificial sweeteners cannot be used for cooking or baking as they break down under heat;
- Aspartame and other sugar substitutes have a distinct flavor that differs from regular sugar. That’s why recipes with artificial sweeteners might taste differently compared to the ones that use sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Sweeteners
From comprehensive guides on wholesale distribution to tips on how to sell sugar, business owners can find various resources on BlueCart’s website. Below we’ve answered some common questions regarding artificial sweeteners and their applications.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad?
There are both pros and cons to artificial sweeteners so they can’t be classified as good or bad. Replacing sugar and other sweeteners that are high in carbohydrates can have positive effects on weight and blood sugar levels. However, artificial sweeteners also have negative effects, especially if consumed in high amounts. They vary depending on the type of sweetener. The most common ones are digestive issues and headaches. Certain artificial sweeteners are not deemed safe and are either banned or restricted by authorities. Generally speaking, it’s best to limit the consumption of sweet products.
What Are the Applications of Artificial Sweeteners?
Both artificial and plant-derived sweeteners can be used as sugar substitutes in various recipes. However, their most common uses might differ. For example, aspartame is one of the most affordable sweeteners on the market. That’s why it’s used in sugar-free soft drinks, chewing gums, packaged desserts, and other low-calorie products made by large manufacturers. On the other hand, sugar alcohols like erythritol and xylitol are more commonly used by bakery businesses, restaurants, and cooking enthusiasts. They are a great way to make keto and diabetic-friendly desserts.
What Is the Healthiest Sweetener?
Stevia is considered the healthiest sweetener available. Since it’s made of plants, it’s natural and contains zero calories. Monk fruit sweetener has also become popular in recent years as it is rich in antioxidants. Honey, especially raw honey, is rich in vitamins and minerals. Its antibacterial properties and applications as a cough suppressant and throat soother make it an excellent choice. However, honey is high in calories and impacts blood sugar.
When it comes to sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, erythritol and xylitol are considered to be the healthiest options. Keep in mind that consuming large quantities of them can lead to digestive problems.
BlueCart: The Platform to Buy Sugar, Honey, and Artificial Sweeteners in Bulk
If you want to purchase sugar or artificial sweeteners in large quantities, sign up for BlueCart’s marketplace. It allows businesses to find suppliers and compare prices easily. Specialized and broadline distributors can benefit greatly from using BlueCart’s features. From tools for creating eCommerce catalogs to invoicing solutions, there are multiple ways suppliers can automate tasks with BlueCart. Schedule a demo and see how our wholesale ordering software can help increase your B2B sales.