Allulose is a low-calorie sugar substitute that brings a new alternative to help support healthy glucose levels.
About 70% as sweet as sugar, this keto-friendly sugar substitute is low in calories and isn’t absorbed the same as regular sugar. In addition, Allulose isn’t metabolized in your mouth and helps stave off cavities and other dental problems. [1]
Naturally found in certain fruits such as jackfruit, figs, and raisins, Allulose is present in maple syrup, caramel sauce, and brown sugar. Allulose is also considered a monosaccharide (or simple sugar) and is absorbed by the body, but it is not metabolized.1
With low sugar content and a fantastic taste, Allulose makes an ideal sweetener to support weight loss. This is because combining a great taste with low calories may allow you to stick with a healthy diet for the long haul. [1]
Now let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions about this powerful and rare sugar.
Frequently asked questions about Allulose Sweetener
What is Allulose?
Allulose is a low-calorie natural sweetener with a similar taste to table sugar. In addition, Allulose provides a similar taste and texture to sugar but without calories. Allulose is not converted to glucose, and its calories are not available to the body. [2]
What is Allulose made from?
This low-calorie sugar has been naturally discovered in small quantities in plant foods such as brown sugar, maple syrup, jackfruit, figs, and raisins.
Is Allulose the same as Erythritol and Xylitol?
Though both are very similar, Allulose and Erythritol are not the same—and have slight differences. They are both sweeteners that have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. In addition, they both have no aftertaste.
Furthermore, Allulose is considered a “rare sugar” and can be found in a few different foods.
Unlike Allulose, Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, a type of sweetener between a sugar molecule and an alcohol molecule.
Similar to Allulose, Erythritol is resistant to fermentation by your gut bacteria, which does not cause bloating, nausea, or gas. [3]
In regards to Xylitol, Allulose is not sugar alcohol like Xylitol. Though Allulose can cause digestive problems, Xylitol has more of a “cooling sensation” in the mouth, and Allulose does not have this effect as it is very similar to regular sugar.
Is Allulose better than Stevia and Lou Han Gou?
Allulose and Stevia do have similarities and differences. Compared to Stevia, Allulose doesn’t have an aftertaste. In other words, Allulose tastes a lot like regular sugar.
Allulose has roughly 70% of the sweetness of regular table sugar. Stevia, on the other hand, can be 200 times sweeter than table sugar. [3]
From a flavor perspective, Allulose is better than Stevia---as Stevia has a bitter aftertaste compared to Allulose. [4]
Overall, Allulose may be the preferred choice for many because it may have a health advantage due to its support of inflammation responses, blood sugar levels, and weight management. [5]
Allulose is also similar to Lo Han Guo, as they are both low-calorie sweeteners that still provide a sweet, satisfying taste.
Lo Han Guo can be used in a wide range of beverages and foods, such as soft drinks, juices, and dairy products.
Unlike Allulose, Lo Han Guo has been used for centuries as a digestive aid. In addition, Lo Han Guo is made differently, as Lo Han Guo is made by removing the seeds and skin of the fruit and then extracting the sweet portions into powdered or liquid forms.
Is Allulose Inflammatory?
Allulose supports inflammatory responses and helps certain bacteria in the gut. This may also help in supporting weight loss. [4]
Does Allulose have an aftertaste?
Allulose does not have an aftertaste. This is what makes Allulose a unique sweetener. In fact, even though Allulose tastes nearly as sweet as table sugar, it contains fewer calories than table sugar. For instance, three teaspoons of refined sugar equal about 50 calories. In contrast, Allulose only contains 5 calories with that same amount. [6]
Does Allulose affect gut bacteria?
Allulose has been known as a good substitute for sugar due to its anti-obesity effects. For instance, there was a study involving thirty-six mice that were fed a regular diet and a high-fat diet with Allulose for 16 weeks. The results indicated a significant change in body weight and body fat mass. In addition, there was a change in the microbiome community (or gut) responsible for improving obesity. [7]
Can Allulose help you lose weight?
Allulose has a positive effect on bacteria and may help you maintain a healthy weight. In addition, unlike regular table sugar, it does not raise glucose/insulin levels–which is a major driver of weight gain.
With its ability to increase fat oxidation, Allulose may help decrease body fat and may promote effective weight loss.
In other words, this rare sugar may be effective at managing healthy body weight due to its possible positive effect on energy metabolism. [8]
Will you crave other sugary foods by consuming Allulose?
A low-calorie sweetener such as Allulose should not cause sugar cravings that can lead to weight gain. In fact, research shows that Allulose low-calorie sweeteners should not increase appetite and are safe for human consumption. [9]
References:
- “What You Need to Know About Allulose.” Cleveland Clinic, (2022, August 26). Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-allulose/
- Why Choose Allulose? “The Calorie Control Council,” Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://allulose.org/allulose-info/why-choose-allulose/
- Gustin, A. (2020, November 5). https://perfectketo.com/allulose-vs-erythritol/
- Bitter taste receptors for Stevia sweeteners. “Technische Universitaet Muenchen” n.a. (2012, May 31). Retrieved August 25, 2022, from https://perfectketo.com/allulose-vs-erythritol/
- Han, H., Yoon, J., Choi, M. “Tracing the Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism/Triggers of d-Allulose: A Profile Study of Microbiome Composition and mRNA Expressions in Diet-Induced Obese Mice.” Molecule Nutrition Food Resource 64(5); (2020).
- Pattnaik, C. (2020, September 4). “What you need to know about allulose, the healthy sugar substitute everyone is talking about.” Health Shots. Retrieved August 25, 2021, from https://www.healthshots.com/healthy-eating/nutrition/what-you-need-to-know-about-allulose-the-healthy-sugar-substitute-everyone-is-talking-about/
- Hossain, A., “Rare Sugar D-allulose: Potential role and therapeutic monitoring in maintaining obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus”. Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 155. 49-59, (2015).
- Han, C. “Alteration of Microbiome Profile by D-Allulose in Amelioration of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice.” Nutrients, 12 (2): 352
- Kimura T et al. “d-Allulose enhances postprandial fat oxidation in healthy humans.” Nutrition, vol.43-44 (2017): 16-20
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners Do Not Cause Weight Gain, Sugar Cravings. “Calorie Control Council.”,(2013, August 5). Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://caloriecontrol.org/low-calorie-sweeteners-do-not-cause-weight-gain-sugar-cravings/
- Sollid, K. (2021, December 15). “What is Allulose?” Food Insight. Retrieved August 31, 2022, from https://foodinsight.org/what-is-allulose-a-different-kind-of-low-calorie-sweetener/