Honey and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH) are both sweet substances, but they come from different sources and have distinct properties. Honey, produced by bees from plant secretions, is known for its natural sweetness and viscosity. On the other hand, HSH, developed by Lyckeby Starch, is a mixture of sugar alcohols created through a chemical process. While honey has a rich history and is considered a natural food, HSH has gained approval as a food ingredient in some, but not all, countries. As these two sweeteners serve different purposes and have unique characteristics, the question remains: which one is ultimately better?
Comparing Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates vs Honey
| Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates | Honey | |
| Substitution ratio | n/a | n/a |
| Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto-friendly? | No | No |
| Paleo-friendly? | No | Raw and unpasteurized in moderation. |
| Common Allergens | Sugar alcohols | Honey, some pollens |
| Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 2 years | Indefinite |
| Best for baking | Bulking agent for low-calorie food products. | Flaky, sweet pastries and dense honey cakes |
Differences Between Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates And Honey
Honey, a natural sweetener produced by bees, offers many health benefits due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The various types of honey available depend on the flowers the bees pollinate. Composed primarily of sugars (approximately 40% fructose and 30% glucose) and water (17%), honey also contains other sugars, carbohydrates, and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. When stored below its melting point, it remains a liquid, gradually thickening with decreasing temperature.
Beyond its role as a natural sweetener, honey serves as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent. It is commonly used orally to alleviate coughs and topically to aid burns and promote wound healing. Honey’s versatility and numerous applications make it a popular choice for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates are derived through the partial hydrolysis of starch, often from sources like corn, potato, or wheat. This process breaks down the starch into dextrins, which are glucose and short glucose chains. Subsequently, the hydrolyzed starch (dextrin) undergoes hydrogenation to convert the dextrins into sugar alcohols.
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate finds utility in various food and beverage products. It also serves as a thickening and stabilizing agent in processed foods. Unlike honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate has no natural antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, while it may function as a sweetener, it does not offer the same range of health benefits as honey.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Depending on the nectar source, honey can exhibit a wide range of profiles with floral, fruity, smoky, woody, or nutty tones. These diverse flavors add depth and complexity to dishes where honey is used. In cooking, honey proves to be a versatile ingredient, infusing various sweet and savory recipes with its distinctive taste and texture. From casseroles to sauces and dressings, this golden elixir enriches the overall culinary experience.
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates are primarily used as a sweetener in some food products for those aiming to reduce their sugar intake. HSH can be found in candies, baked goods, and even beverages. But HSH offers more than just sweetening power. They also function as a bulking agent, contributing volume and texture to low-calorie or reduced-fat food items. This is particularly helpful in maintaining the desired mouthfeel of these products.
Furthermore, HSH acts as a humectant, helping retain moisture and prolonging the shelf life of food products. Baked goods, in particular, benefit from this property, as it prevents them from becoming dry or stale.
Are Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates and Honey Substitutes for Each Other?
HSH and honey do not make suitable substitutes for each other in food products. This is because they possess different functional properties and serve different purposes.
Honey is primarily used as a sweetener and has antioxidant benefits that HSH does not. On the other hand, HSH is used mainly for its bulk-adding and moisture-retaining properties, which honey cannot provide.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
- Name: Honey
- Serving size: 1 tbsp.
- Calories: 60
- Total carbs: 17 g
- Sugars: 17 g
- GI: 58
- Name: Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates
- Serving size: N/A
- Calories: N/A
- Total carbs: N/A
- Sugars: N/A
- GI: N/A
Honey, with its phytochemical, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, holds potential therapeutic value in disease treatment. Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, acting as antioxidants, honey supports overall well-being. On the other hand, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates serve as a low-calorie sweetener that may aid in weight management and preventing obesity and diabetes.
Diet Suitability
Honey is non-vegan due to its origin and production process. Bees collect and partially digest nectar from flowers, storing it in honeycombs as a long-lasting food source for the hive. While honey is a natural sweetener rich in sugars and carbohydrates, it is unsuitable for the keto diet as it can disrupt ketosis. However, it aligns with the principles of a paleo lifestyle as a whole food when consumed in its unadulterated raw form. Pasteurized honey, on the other hand, is not recommended in a paleo-oriented diet due to its heat processing.Â
Hydrogenated starch hydrolysates are generally vegan-friendly due to their plant-based sourcing and production methods. However, they are not keto-friendly despite being a sugar alcohol with a low glycemic index. Supporters of the paleo lifestyle argue that HSH is not consistent with consuming whole, unprocessed foods and would not have been available to our ancestors, so it is also a no for paleo dieters. HSH is not Whole30 approved.
How to Store Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates and Honey
For optimal storage, it is best to keep honey in a sealed container, preferably glass jars with an airtight lid, to protect it from air exposure when not in use. Avoid storing honey in non-food plastic or metal containers, as they can lead to honey oxidation. Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate should be stored at room temperature. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain its quality.
Price and Availability
Honey prices begin at $2.96 per pound and can increase significantly. On the other hand, HSH costs about 50 cents per pound. It is harder to find than honey, and you may need to source it online.
Environmental Impact
Pure, non-commercial honey stands out as one of the lowest impact options when it comes to the environmental impact of sweeteners. Beekeeping for honey production doesn’t require using tractors or large machinery, and it doesn’t rely on fertilizers. This sustainable choice minimizes greenhouse gas emissions and supports the well-being of bees and their crucial role in pollination.
On the other hand, many artificial sweeteners have a higher environmental impact. The manufacturing process of these sweeteners often involves resource-intensive production methods and chemicals, and the production and disposal of packaging for artificial sweeteners contribute to waste and pollution.
Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysates vs. Honey: The Ultimate Verdict
HSH may have its place in packaged goods, but better options are available for home cooking and baking, such as xylitol or monk fruit sweetener for sugar-free treats. Honey is definitely the better sweetening agent in all aspects: taste, health properties, and environmental sustainability.
FAQs
Polyglycitol syrup (INS 964), commonly referred to as hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSHs), consists of a blend of various sugar alcohols, which are sweeteners used as alternatives to sugar.
A sugar alcohol. When starch molecules come into contact with water, they undergo hydrolysis, breaking down into smaller sugar molecules. This hydrolysis reaction can be detected by testing for the presence of these newly formed sugar alcohol molecules.
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