Learning Goals for Today!

Learn general information about sugarsLearn about different sugar

substitutesLearn how to decrease sugar intake

There may be a pop quiz!

What Are Sugars?

Sugars are…

Known as carbohydrate with a sweet taste

A quick and easy fuel for the body to use

Forms of Sugars:

White sugar Brown sugarHoney Corn syrupMolasses Maple syrup

SugarsSugar provides or acts as the following:

Flavor and volumeTexture

Tenderness and browning in baked goodsA preservative in jams, jellies and pickles

Food for yeast

Sugar occurs naturally in: Breads Cereals Fruits Grains

Milk Vegetables

Sugar & Health Factors

Sugars have been blamed for the following:• Obesity• Diabetes

• Heart Disease• Hyperactivity in

children

Scientific studies do not show a direct link between sugars and these conditions, except

tooth decayWeight gain is one result from eating foods with

added sugar

What About Sugar Substitutes?

FDA has approved four non-caloric sweeteners:

Acesulfame-K Aspartame (A-see-sull-fame-K) (As-par-tame)

Saccharin (Sac-a-reen)

Commercially prepared baked goods The vending machines are full of them!

Sucralose (Suk-rah-lose) Also known as SPLENDA No calorie sweetener

Zero Calorie Sweeteners

Acesulfame-K 200x’s sweeter than sugar Stable and does not break down in cooking Common brand name is Sunette

Aspartame 180x’s sweeter than sugar Two amino acids:

Phenylalanine and Aspartic Acid Excellent sweetener (no aftertaste) Common band names are Nutra-Sweet and Equal

Saccharin 300x’s sweeter than sugar

Very stable in foods (has a bitter aftertaste) Common brand name is Sweet & Low

Sucralose 600x’s sweeter than sugar

Extremely stable and does not break down in cooking

Common brand name is Splenda

How Can I Reduce My Sugar Intake?

Try new recipes or adjust old ones by using one-third less

To add flavor, use more vanilla or

spice

Eat baked sweets and candies less frequently/or in smaller

portions

Satisfy your longing for something sweet with fruits for snacks and

desserts

Read Nutrition Facts Label

Decrease or eliminate sugar when canning or

freezing

Buy unsweetened frozen fruit or fruit canned in its own juice or

water

Non-sugar sweeteners can be used in

moderation

Avoid excessive snacking