Nutritious sweeteners
They are of natural origin. They are added, for example, injams and jellies, for its conservation; in processed meats, to enhance its flavor; in ice cream creams, to give them volume; and in carbonated drinks, to give them body. They belong to this group: Different sugars. Dextrose, lactose, maltose, refined and invert sugars – it is obtained by breaking sucrose into glucose and fructose -, honey, corn syrup, some syrups and fruit juice.
Low energy polyols or sugar alcohols.They are obtained from glucose and sucrose. Because they are slowly absorbed, they are used in diabetic diet products. And since they do not contribute to the development of cavities, they are added to gum and candy. The most common polyols are sorbitol (E-420), mannitol (E-421), isomaltitol (E-953), maltitol (E-965) and xylitol (E-976).
Hydrogenated hydrolyzed starches.They are syrups obtained from starch.
Non-nutritive sweeteners
Sweetenersartificial or chemicalhighly appreciated by the food industry for its chemical and organoleptic attributes. Due to its possible health contraindications, there are somerecommended daily intake limits (ADI). These are expressed in milligrams per kilo of body weight.
Saccharin (E-954).Derived from petroleum. It is the most widely used artificial sweetener. ADI: 5 mg.
Cyclamate (E-952).Also obtained from petroleum, it is frequently found in smoothies, soft drinks, breakfast cereals, fruit preserves, and candies and baked goods. ADI: 7 mg.
Acesulfamo K (E-950).It is added to carbonated or still drinks, jams, dairy and baked goods, preserves and sweets. It is rapidly eliminated via the kidneys. ADI: 9 mg.
Taumatina (E-957).This protein extracted from the katemfe, a West African bush, appears in chewing gums, sauces, soft drinks, yogurts, jams, products fortified with vitamins and minerals and beverages that contain coffee. It has a licorice flavor. ADI: not specified.
Neohesperidin DC (E-959).It is obtained from a flavonoid in bitter orange. With a licorice taste, it is added to chewing gum, candies, yogurts, ice cream, and still and carbonated drinks. ADI: 5 mg.
Aspartame (E-951).It is made up of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It is a caloric sweetener, but as it is used in very small amounts it does not make you fat. It is used to sweeten a large number of foods and beverages. It is very common in peppermint breath drops and desserts. ADI: 40 mg.
Sucralosa (E-955).It is the only one created from sugar, but without its calories. Recently incorporated, it is present in a wide range of food products. ADI: 15 mg.
