How Natural are Alternative Sweeteners?
by Steve Myers The market for natural sweeteners is ripe for growth, as the federal government and other experts have warned against the persistent trend of dangerously high consumption of refined sugar and as consumers have been more mindful of overall carbohydrate intake. Keys to continued growth of the sweeteners market include defining what constitutes a “natural” sweetener, innovation in the use of such sweeteners in functional products, and customizing sweetener blends for focused use and optimal benefits. Society’s love affair with sweet things borders on obsession. Americans alone consume around 80 grams of sugar per day, according to various experts. At 320 calories per day, this accounts for a substantial portion of daily intake, considering its primary food function as a flavor and texture enhancer. Sugar, also called sucrose, is a carbohydrate combining two other simple sugars, fructose and glucose. Sucrose, a disaccharide, is derived from sugar cane or beet root but is oft
