Are you torn between choosing the right sweetener? Let’s explore two contenders: sugar and arabitol. Sugar, a generic name for sweet carbohydrates, is commonly found in food and consists of glucose and fructose. Extracted from sugar cane or sugar beet, it satisfies our cravings but comes with a hit of calories. On the other hand, arabitol is a sugar alcohol that doesn’t absorb well, making it a low-calorie sweetening option.
Join us as we dive into the qualities of these sweeteners to help you decide which one to include in your diet!
Comparing Arabitol vs. Sugar
| Arabitol | Sugar | |
| Substitution ratio | n/a | n/a |
| Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto-friendly? | Yes | No |
| Paleo-friendly? | No | No |
| Common Allergens | Sugar alcohols | Sugarcane |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 1.5 – 5 years | 2 plus years |
| Best for baking | Processed sugar-free foods | Most desserts and sweet baked goods |
Differences Between Arabitol And Sugar
Sugar and artificial sweeteners are two distinct sweetening agents used in food. While sugar refers to the generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners are synthetic alternatives to natural sweeteners.
Sugar is also known as sucrose and comprises glucose and fructose derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. Refined sugar (like the table sugar we all know) is produced by processing natural sources to isolate only the sugar. Examples of refined sugar include granulated sugar from sugar cane and corn syrup from corn. Sugar adds sweetness and serves several functions in food technology, such as acting as a preservative, texture modifier, fermentation agent, and coloring agent.
Artificial sweeteners, as the name suggests, are chemically manufactured sweetening substitutes. They are designed to provide sweetness while reducing calorie content. One example is arabitol, a sugar alcohol derived from arabinose or lyxose reduction. These artificial sweeteners have an intense taste, which allows them to be used in low quantities. They are commonly found in confectionery products like chewing gum, candies, chocolates, and sugar-free treats. Artificial sweeteners are often preferred by individuals who want to limit their sugar intake or manage weight, as they provide sweetness without adding many calories.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Sugar is renowned as the benchmark for a sweet taste that exudes a clean, pleasant flavor without lingering sensations. Sugar isn’t just prized for its sweetness but serves several culinary purposes. Sugar adds color to baked goods in baking while acting as a preservative and bulking agent. It also finds its way into sauces, syrups, and beverages, contributing to increased viscosity and providing a thicker consistency and a more satisfying mouthfeel.
Sugar alcohols have emerged as an alternative to traditional sugars, offering distinctive profiles and a range of applications. One such sugar alcohol is arabitol. Besides its sweetening properties, arabitol is favored in the food industry for its minimal impact on dental health compared to regular sugars. It even finds use in human therapeutics as an anti-cariogenic agent and for its potential to reduce fatty tissue.
Are Arabitol and Sugar Substitutes for Each Other?
Arabitol seems to be only available online for science purposes rather than cooking. And it is expensive! So, arabitol and sugar probably do not make easy substitutes for each other in your home kitchen due to availability alone. Try another sugar alcohol, like xylitol.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
Table sugar (granulated sugar, sucrose) (2 tsp.)
- Calories: 30
- Total carbs: 8g
- Sugars: 8g
- GI: 65
Arabitol
- Calories: 0
- Total carbs: 0
- Sugars: 0
- GI: N/A (likely 0)
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that offers a rapid supply of energy (glucose) to support the body’s functioning. Arabitol and xylitol are sweeteners that not only serve as alternatives to sugar but also have been found to reduce the risk of dental caries and conditions associated with excess sugar consumption.
Diet Suitability
Sugar is off-limits for several dietary preferences. While it may not directly contain animal products, its refining process, which involves bone char, makes it non-vegan. Moreover, it is not recommended for keto diets, as it is not considered keto-friendly due to its tendency to impact blood sugar levels and disrupt ketosis. For those following a paleo-oriented diet, sugar is unsuitable as it is a processed sweetener that contradicts the principles of this dietary approach.
Arabitol, derived from plants, is a suitable choice for vegans. It is entirely plant-based and aligns with a vegan lifestyle. Arabitol is keto-friendly, as it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels and does not interfere with ketosis. Unfortunately, it is not considered paleo-friendly due to its processing methods, which may not align with the paleo diet’s principles. For those following the Whole30 program, including arabitol is not permitted since most sweeteners, regardless of origin, are eliminated during this dietary program.
How to Store Arabitol and Sugar
Sugars should be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for optimal storage. As for arabitol, it can be stored in either the pantry or fridge based on personal preference. However, ensure it is stored in a suitable airtight container to preserve its quality.
Price and Availability
Sugar is affordable, priced as low as 25 cents per pound, and easily found in stores worldwide. On the other hand, arabitol is both scarce and expensive and usually only used to manufacture processed goods.
Environmental Impact
Burning sugarcane significantly impacts the environment, primarily through the emission of various toxic and hazardous substances. Carbon compounds released during burning contribute to air pollution and are associated with climate change.
There is not much information available about the environmental impact of arabitol, and more research needs to be done to assess its environmental impact fully.
Arabitol vs. Sugar: The Ultimate Verdict
When it comes to baking, sugar is a superior sweetener to arabitol due to its better flavor and texture. In comparison to arabitol, sugar is much less expensive. Plus, if you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative for baking, there are better choices out there, like xylitol, which can provide the sweetness without the calories and keep your baked goods tasting just as delicious. Sugar wins this one.
FAQs
Arabitol is classified as a pentitol and finds application in the food industry as a sweetening agent. It is also utilized in manufacturing therapeutic products for humans, serving as an anti-cavity agent and aiding in the reduction of adipose tissue.
It is soluble in water at a concentration of 50 mg per milliliter and has a melting point of 101-104° C, as indicated in the literature.
D-arabinitol is a substance produced by harmful Candida species. Detecting high levels of d-arabinitol compared to l-arabinitol in a urine sample (known as the DA/LA ratio) is an effective way to identify invasive candidiasis.
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