20241021 Sugar Substitutes (Aspartame as substitute)

 

4.9: Sugar Substitutes 

In Canada, food additives such as sugar substitutes, which cover both artificial sweeteners and intense sweeteners obtained from natural sources, are subject to rigorous controls under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations. New food additives (or new uses of permitted food additives) are permitted only once a safety assessment has been conducted and regulatory amendments have been enacted.

Several sugar substitutes have been approved for use in Canada. These include acesulfame-potassium, aspartame, polydextrose, saccharin, stevia, sucralose, thaumatin, and sugar alcohols (polyols) like sorbitol, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, and xylitol. Please see the Health Canada website for more information on sugar substitutes.

Bakers must be careful when replacing sugar (sucrose) with these sugar substitutes in recipes. Even though the sweetness comparison levels may be similar (or less), it is generally not possible to do straight 1-for-1 substitution. Sugar (sucrose) plays many roles in a recipe:

  • It is a bulking agent.
  • It absorbs moisture.
  • It is a tenderizer.
  • It adds moisture and extends shelf life. It adds color (caramelization).

additional information during the course,

ASPARTAME

-artificial non-saccharide sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose and is commonly used as a sugar substitute in foods and beverages

Products with Aspartame:




Dozens of studies have linked the popular artificial sweetener aspartame to serious health problems, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, seizures, stroke and dementia, as well as negative effects such as intestinal dysbiosis, mood disorders, headaches and migraines.

Insights:

Learning about aspartame as a sugar substitute is new to me, and it's alarming to realize that I may have been unknowingly consuming this substance in my daily life. This information is eye-opening and motivates me to reconsider my diet, avoid products containing aspartame, and choose natural sweeteners instead. Given the potential health risks associated with aspartame, it is essential to exercise caution with its consumption and prioritize healthier, natural alternatives whenever possible.



References:

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Biological_Chemistry/Chemistry_of_Cooking_(Rodriguez-Velazquez)/04%3A_Sugar/4.09%3A_Sugar_Substitutes_(ADD_US)

https://usrtk.org/sweeteners/aspartame_health_risks/#:~:text=Dozens%20of%20studies%20have%20linked%20the%20popular%20artificial,as%20intestinal%20dysbiosis%2C%20mood%20disorders%2C%20headaches%20and%20migraines.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12246679/Is-aspartame-Coke-Zero-Pepsi-Max-Diet-Coke-carry-cancer-warning-carcinogen-risk.html

https://ar.inspiredpencil.com/pictures-2023/aspartame-products-list


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