Erythritol vs. Splenda: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on February 15, 2024
Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener, while Splenda is a brand name for sucralose, a synthetic sweetener made from sugar.
Key Differences
Erythritol, a sugar alcohol naturally found in fruits, is used as a calorie-free sweetener. Unlike Splenda, a brand name for sucralose, erythritol does not have a bitter aftertaste and is less likely to cause digestive issues. Splenda, derived from sugar through a chemical process, is sweeter than erythritol and is often used in cooking and baking.
In terms of calorie content, erythritol has almost zero calories, making it a popular choice for weight-conscious consumers. Splenda, although also low in calories, is created by chlorinating sucrose, resulting in a compound that the body does not recognize as sugar. Erythritol's calorie-free nature contrasts with Splenda's minimal but present caloric content.
When it comes to baking, erythritol behaves differently than Splenda. Erythritol can crystallize and may not blend as smoothly as Splenda, which is heat-stable and dissolves well, making it a preferred choice for baked goods. Erythritol’s unique cooling effect in the mouth is absent in Splenda.
Regarding health impact, erythritol is often praised for its dental benefits, as it does not contribute to tooth decay, unlike traditional sugars. Splenda, while also not contributing to tooth decay, has been subject to debate over its long-term health effects due to its artificial nature.
Erythritol's impact on blood sugar levels is minimal, making it a safe choice for diabetics. In contrast, Splenda, though still a low-glycemic index sweetener, might have a slight impact on blood sugar and insulin levels. Both are considered diabetic-friendly but have different physiological effects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Origin
Naturally found in fruits
Synthetic, made from sugar
Caloric Content
Nearly zero calories
Low but not zero calories
Taste
Lacks bitter aftertaste, cooling mouthfeel
Sweet, no cooling effect
Usage in Baking
Can crystallize, unique texture
Heat-stable, dissolves well
Health Impact
Non-cariogenic, minimal blood sugar impact
Debated health effects, low glycemic index
ADVERTISEMENT
Erythritol and Splenda Definitions
Erythritol
Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol with zero calories.
Erythritol is added to low-calorie desserts to maintain sweetness without the extra calories.
Splenda
Splenda is known for being much sweeter than sugar.
Only a small amount of Splenda is needed to achieve the same sweetness as sugar.
Erythritol
Erythritol can crystallize, affecting its use in cooking and baking.
When making sugar-free ice cream, erythritol's tendency to crystallize can be a challenge.
Splenda
Splenda is a brand name for sucralose, a synthetic sweetener.
Splenda is commonly used in coffee as a sugar substitute.
Erythritol
Erythritol is known for its dental benefits, as it does not cause tooth decay.
Chewing gum containing erythritol is recommended to promote oral health.
Splenda
Splenda is heat-stable, making it suitable for cooking and baking.
Splenda is a popular choice for baking sugar-free cakes.
Erythritol
Erythritol is a diabetic-friendly sweetener due to its negligible impact on blood sugar.
Erythritol is often used in diabetic-friendly recipes to replace regular sugar.
Splenda
Splenda is derived from sugar through a chemical process.
Splenda's sweetness comes from the alteration of sugar molecules.
Erythritol
Erythritol has a unique cooling effect in the mouth.
The cooling sensation in some sugar-free mints is due to the presence of erythritol.
Splenda
Splenda has a low glycemic index, making it a suitable sweetener for diabetics.
Splenda can be used in diabetic-friendly recipes without significantly impacting blood sugar levels.
Erythritol
(organic compound) A tetrahydric sugar alcohol (2R,3S)-butane-1,2,3,4-tetraol that occurs in some fruit; it is used as a sugar substitute
FAQs
How is Splenda different from erythritol?
Splenda is a brand name for sucralose, a synthetic sweetener, whereas erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol.
Is Splenda safe for diabetics?
Yes, Splenda is safe for diabetics as it has a low glycemic index and does not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
Does erythritol have calories?
Erythritol has almost zero calories, making it a popular choice for those monitoring calorie intake.
What is erythritol?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener, found naturally in some fruits.
Can erythritol cause digestive issues?
Erythritol is less likely to cause digestive issues compared to other sugar alcohols, but excessive consumption can lead to digestive discomfort.
Is erythritol natural?
Yes, erythritol is a natural sweetener, found in fruits like pears and grapes.
Is erythritol better than sugar for weight loss?
Yes, due to its low-calorie content, erythritol can be a better option for weight loss than sugar.
What are the side effects of Splenda?
Splenda is generally considered safe, but some people may experience mild digestive issues or allergic reactions.
Can Splenda be used in baking?
Yes, Splenda is heat-stable and can be used in baking, though it might have a different sweetness level than sugar.
How does erythritol affect baking?
Erythritol can affect the texture and moisture content in baking, as it does not retain moisture like sugar.
Can erythritol cause allergies?
Allergic reactions to erythritol are rare, but possible in sensitive individuals.
Is Splenda vegan-friendly?
Yes, Splenda is vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
Does erythritol affect blood sugar levels?
Erythritol has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.
What is the shelf life of Splenda?
Splenda has a long shelf life and remains stable over time if stored properly.
Can erythritol cause tooth decay?
No, erythritol does not contribute to tooth decay and is considered tooth-friendly.
Is Splenda suitable for a keto diet?
Yes, Splenda is suitable for a keto diet as it has low net carbohydrates.
Can Splenda be used in cold beverages?
Yes, Splenda dissolves well in cold beverages and is commonly used as a sweetener in drinks.
Is erythritol safe for children?
Erythritol is generally safe for children, but should be used in moderation.
How is Splenda made?
Splenda is made by chemically altering sugar molecules through a process of chlorination.
Does Splenda taste like sugar?
Splenda has a sweet taste similar to sugar but is much sweeter per unit of volume.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
