Information on Sucralose
Sucralose is one type of artificial sweetener used to sweeten food and drink without adding calories. It is a common ingredient diet- and diabetic-friendly foods under the brand name Splenda. Does this Spark an idea?
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Production
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Sucralose is the only artificial no-calorie sweetener made from real sugar. It is produced via a multi-step manufacturing process that substitutes three atoms of chlorine for three hydroxyl groups on the sugar molecule. The change prevents sucralose from being broken down like sucrose and produces a sweetener that contains no calories and is 600 times sweeter than sugar.
Properties
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The advantage of sucralose over other artificial sweeteners is its stability. Some artificial sweeteners break down if heated, so they can't be used as a substitute for sugar in cooking or baking. But sucralose is heat-stable, retaining its sweetness over a wide range of temperature and storage conditions over time. Food manufacturers, as well as home cooks, can use sucralose as an ingredient in a wide variety of foods.
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Distribution
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The FDA approved sucralose as a general-purpose sweetener in 1999. In the United States, sucralose is sold, packaged and made available to food manufacturers as Splenda.
Sucralose is also available in 30 other countries including Mexico, Canada, and Australia.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit sugar-basin and lump-sugar image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
