Sweetener
A substance that increases the sweetness of something. It is typically a sugar or other soluble sweet-tasting compound added to food or drink to improve its taste.
Synonyms:
- Sugar
- Sweetening agent
- Candy
- Syrup
- Molasses
- Treacle
Examples:
- Adding honey to tea is a common way to sweeten it.
- The candy store has a wide variety of sweetener treats.
- Some people add sweetener to their coffee to make it more palatable.
Additional notes:
- Sweeteners can be natural or artificial.
- Natural sweeteners include honey, maple syrup, molasses, and date sugar.
- Artificial sweeteners include aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin.
- Sweeteners can have a variety of health effects, depending on the type of sweetener and the amount of sugar it contains.
FAQs
What is in a sweetener?
Sweeteners are substances used to add sweetness to food and drinks. They can be natural, like stevia or honey, or artificial, like aspartame or sucralose.
Are sweeteners worse than sugar?
Sweeteners are often calorie-free and may have less impact on blood sugar levels compared to sugar. However, excessive use of artificial sweeteners can have potential health risks, and their long-term effects are still studied.
Is any sweetener healthy?
Natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract are considered healthier alternatives due to their low glycemic index and minimal calorie content.
What is the safest artificial sweetener to use?
Sucralose and stevia are often considered safer options when used in moderation, as they are approved by global health authorities like the FDA.
Which is the healthiest sweetener?
Stevia and monk fruit extract are considered among the healthiest sweeteners due to their natural origins, zero calories, and low impact on blood sugar levels.
