Did you not love the feeling of unwrapping candies in the childhood days? It could be a lemon or mint flavored treat but the experience was magical. Maybe you did not think much about what went into making of those candies. Now that you are grownup, you think more in-depth. These days, we focus on healthy eating and checking ingredients before we buy anything.
So how do sugar-free candies taste so sweet? The brands use sweeteners like xylitol and sodium saccharin powder. You can think of it as a nice mix of innovation and science.
1. Sweeteners in action- more than just sugar alternatives
Have you tasted candies that do not taste sweet? You may have a hard time recalling! However, candy makers have to balance aspects like health benefits, flavor, and cost. That is why they use sweeteners like Xylitol and sodium saccharin powder.
2. Sodium saccharin powder- an affordable sweetness enhancer
Did you note how affordable candies, notably those with lemon flavor had a strong sweet taste? The sweetness lingered inside your mouth even after you finished chewing the candies. The secret lies in sodium saccharin powder — a tiny but mighty ingredient that’s about 300 times sweeter than sugar, making it a cost-effective star in cheap treats.
Sodium saccharin is not exactly new to the candy-making scene. Found in the late 1800s, it became a good alternative to regular sugar. Why do you think candy manufacturers love it so much? That is because they only need to use a small amount of this ingredient to make candies sweet. The result is a lower production cost and the same, intense sweetness.
However, do not think the USP of sodium saccharin is its affordability. It remains stable under high temperatures and so brands use it to make candies and baked goods. You may have read some reports about its side effects in the past. However, modern research says it is safe when you use it in regulated amounts. So, for a long-lasting and affordable candy, your choice should be sodium saccharin.
3. Artificial sweetener Xylitol- a dental-friendly choice
Do you recall the feeling of popping in a sugar-free mint inside your mouth? It gives you an instant, cool sensation. That is the effect of artificial sweetener Xylitol. However, it offers you health benefits apart from the unique taste.
Xylitol is a plant-derived sweetener that not only tricks your taste buds but also fights cavity-causing bacteria — dentists approve! Eating sugary foods and candies feeds the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol helps reduce their growth inside the oral cavity. That is why you will find it in some toothpastes, and sugar-free gums, mints etc.
Xylitol helps save your tooth from decay. It helps neutralize acids in your mouth and reduces plaque formation. Its glycemic index is just 7, compared to sugar’s 60! Choose Xylitol-based candies or snacks when you are on a low-carb diet or have high blood sugar.
What’s the potential drawback of Xylitol? It can be toxic for your dog. Your canine companion may develop serious health problems after eating a tiny amount of it. So, make sure you keep it out of reach of your furry companion.
4. Smart shopping- analyzing candy labels
After learning about these sweeteners, how do you identify them when buying candies? You only have to read the fine print carefully.
- Not all candy and soda makers use the term Sodium saccharin in product ingredient labels. You may find the term E954 or saccharin.
- Spotting xylitol in edible ingredient list is a bit easier, as you will see. It is listed in mints, diabetic-friendly treats, and sugar-free gums. It is known as a health-friendly sweetener and so you will see manufacturers printing it openly on their product labels.
So, how do you choose? You have to think of the priorities. If health and dental hygiene is important, choose Xylitol-based stuff. Sodium saccharin fits the bill for a low-cost sweetener with reduced calories.
5. Enjoying sweet wisely
Candy making is no longer limited to using syrups and sugar. New-age sweeteners like xylitol and sodium saccharin have given people more choices. Thanks to these ingredients, you can chew candies without worrying about adding to your waistline.
However, remember that you have to keep things balanced. Xylitol does come with some solid health benefits, but it can be very toxic for your dog. Sodium saccharin is good to add sweetness and costs less, ideal for brands that make affordable candies.
So, next when you buy a jar of candies, pause a little and check the ingredient list carefully. Think of the science at work behind the amazing taste and flavor. This way, you will be able to make health-conscious, smart choices. Candy is meant for savoring sweetness wisely than just fulfilling the cravings of your taste buds. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and indulge yourself.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
