What Drinks Are Sweetened with Erythritol?

What is erythritol?

Erythritol is a natural sweetener that has been gaining popularity in recent years. With its low calorie count and great taste, it's no wonder why it's become a go-to sweetener for many health-conscious individuals. In this article, we will explore erythritol's benefits, why it's a good sweetener for drinks, and provide a comprehensive list of erythritol-sweetened drinks you can buy or make at home.

 

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods. It is produced through a fermentation process that uses glucose from cornstarch. Erythritol has a chemical structure similar to sugar but with fewer calories. Unlike some other sugar alcohols, erythritol doesn't cause gastrointestinal distress, making it an ideal sweetener for those who are sensitive to sugar alcohols.

 

Benefits of Erythritol:

Erythritol has several benefits that make it an attractive alternative to sugar. It has almost no calories, making it a great option for those looking to manage their weight. It doesn't affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable sweetener for those with diabetes. It is also non-cariogenic, which means it doesn't promote tooth decay. Additionally, erythritol has a glycemic index of 0, which makes it a suitable sweetener for those on a low-carb diet.

 

Why Erythritol is a Good Sweetener for Drinks:

Erythritol is a great sweetener for drinks because it dissolves easily in liquids and has a clean taste. It doesn't have a bitter aftertaste like some other sweeteners, and it doesn't affect the texture or consistency of the drink. It's also a good sweetener for drinks because it doesn't have any calories or affect blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people on a diet or with diabetes.

 

Erythritol-Sweetened Drinks You Can Buy:

There are several erythritol-sweetened drinks you can buy at the grocery store or online. Here are some popular options:

 

Erythritol-Sweetened Soda Brands:

 

Zevia

Virgil's Zero

Blue Sky Zero

Diet Rite

Erythritol-Sweetened Juice Brands:

 

Lakewood Organic Juice

Uncle Matt's Organic Juice

Honest Tea Organic Juice

Erythritol-Sweetened Energy Drink Brands:

 

GURU Lite

REIZE Energy Drink

Erythritol-Sweetened Tea Brands:

 

Honest Tea

Pure Leaf Tea

Steaz Tea

Erythritol-Sweetened Coffee Brands:

 

Califia Farms Better Half Creamer

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

Homemade Erythritol-Sweetened Drink Recipes:

If you prefer to make your own drinks at home, here are some recipes you can try:

 

Erythritol-Sweetened Lemonade Recipe:

 

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 cup water

1/2 cup erythritol

Ice cubes

Directions:

 

In a small saucepan, heat the water and erythritol over medium heat until the erythritol has dissolved.

In a pitcher, mix the lemon juice and the erythritol mixture.

Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir well.

Serve and enjoy!

Erythritol-Sweetened Iced Tea Recipe:

 

4 cups water

4 tea bags

1/2 cup erythritol

Ice cubes

Lemon slices (Directions:

 

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.

Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.

Remove the tea bags and add the erythritol. Stir well.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes and pour the tea over the ice.

Add lemon slices for flavor and serve.

Erythritol-Sweetened Smoothie Recipes:

 

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup almond milk

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup erythritol

Ice cubes

Directions:

 

In a blender, add the banana, blueberries, almond milk, Greek yogurt, and erythritol.

Blend until smooth.

Add ice cubes for a thicker consistency.

Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Erythritol-Sweetened Alcoholic Drink Recipes:

 

Low-Calorie Margarita

Ingredients:

1.5 oz tequila

1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice

1 oz orange juice

1/2 oz agave nectar

1/2 oz erythritol

Ice cubes

Directions:

 

In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, agave nectar, and erythritol.

Shake well.

Add ice cubes to a glass and strain the margarita over the ice.

Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

Erythritol vs. Other Sweeteners:

While erythritol has several benefits, it's not the only sweetener on the market. 

Here's how it stacks up against other popular sweeteners:

 
Erythritol vs. Stevia:

Erythritol and stevia are both natural sweeteners with zero calories. However, stevia can have a bitter aftertaste, which erythritol doesn't have.

 

Erythritol vs. Xylitol:

Erythritol and xylitol are both sugar alcohols with similar calorie counts. However, xylitol can cause gastrointestinal distress in some people, while erythritol doesn't.

 

Erythritol vs. Aspartame:

Aspartame is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener that is commonly used in diet soda. However, some studies have linked aspartame to health problems, while erythritol is generally considered safe.

 

Erythritol vs. Sugar:

Sugar is a high-calorie sweetener that can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Erythritol is a low-calorie alternative that doesn't have the same negative health effects.

 

Health Considerations When Using Erythritol in Drinks:

While erythritol is generally considered safe, there are some health considerations to keep in mind. Here are some things to consider:

 

Digestive Issues:

While erythritol is less likely to cause gastrointestinal distress than some other sugar alcohols, it can still cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people.

 

Dental Health:

While erythritol doesn't promote tooth decay, it's still important to practice good dental hygiene when consuming sweetened drinks.

 

Blood Sugar Control:

Erythritol doesn't affect blood sugar levels, which makes it a suitable sweetener for people with diabetes.

 

Weight Management:

Erythritol is a low-calorie sweetener that can help with weight management. However, it's still important to consume sweetened drinks in moderation as they can still contribute to calorie intake.

 

Using Erythritol in Baking and Cooking:

Erythritol can also be used in baking and cooking as a sugar substitute. Here are some tips for using erythritol in your recipes:

 

How Erythritol Works in Baking:

Erythritol doesn't have the same properties as sugar, so it can't be used in the same way in baking. It doesn't caramelize or brown like sugar, and it doesn't add bulk or moisture to baked goods. However, it can still be used in some recipes with a little bit of experimentation.

 

Recipes Using Erythritol as a Sweetener:

There are many recipes available online that use erythritol as a sweetener. Some popular options include chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake, and pumpkin pie.

 

Tips for Cooking with Erythritol:

When using erythritol in cooking, it's important to keep in mind that it's not as sweet as sugar. You may need to use more erythritol than you would sugar to achieve the same level of sweetness. It's also important to dissolve erythritol in liquid before adding it to a recipe, as it doesn't dissolve easily in dry ingredients.

 

How to Use Erythritol in Your Drinks:

If you're interested in using erythritol in your drinks, here are some tips:

 

Measuring Erythritol for Drinks:

Erythritol can be measured the same way as sugar in drinks. Use a measuring cup or spoon to measure out the desired amount.

 

Erythritol Conversion Chart:

If you're substituting erythritol for sugar in a recipe, you may need to use a conversion chart. One cup of sugar is equivalent to 1/2 cup of erythritol.

 

Mixing Erythritol with Other Sweeteners:

Erythritol can be mixed with other sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, to achieve the desired level of sweetness.

 

Where to Buy Erythritol:

Erythritol can be purchased at many grocery stores and online retailers. Here are some popular options:

 
Physical Stores That Sell Erythritol:

 

Whole Foods

Walmart

Target

Trader Joe's

Online Stores That Sell Erythritol:

 

Amazon

Thrive Market

iHerb

Popular Erythritol Brands:

 

Swerve

NOW Foods

Lakanto

Anthony's Goods

Conclusion:

In conclusion, erythritol is a natural sweetener that has many benefits. It's a great sweetener for drinks because it dissolves easily and doesn't have a bitter aftertaste. There are many erythritol-sweetened drinks you can buy or make at home, and it's also a great alternative to sugar in baking and cooking. While erythritol is generally considered safe, it's still important to use it in moderation and be aware of any potential digestive issues. With all the benefits of erythritol, it's no wonder why it's become a popular sweetener for those looking to live a healthier lifestyle.