Ingredient
Small amounts of natural sweeteners
What is Small amounts of natural sweeteners?
Natural sweeteners include a variety of plant-derived substances used to add sweetness to foods and beverages, often with fewer calories than regular sugar. Some common examples include honey, maple syrup, and stevia, which are sourced from plants or natural extracts.
These sweeteners are used in food products as an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Scientific studies on their health effects are varied; while some sweeteners like stevia are well-studied and generally regarded as safe, others like honey and maple syrup still require more research into their long-term health impacts.
When you see them on a label, it's worth noting that 'natural' does not necessarily mean 'healthier' in large amounts, and each has its own caloric and glycemic profiles.
Commonly found in: Condiments, Beverages, Baked Goods
Many natural sweeteners are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for designated uses.
The evidence on health effects varies; some studies support benefits of specific sweeteners, while others call for more research.
Most natural sweeteners are plant-based and suitable for vegans, but exceptions like honey originate from animals.
Sources: Health Effects of Non-Sugar Sweeteners: Research Studies
Scout's take
Still sugars, but cleaner than HFCS.
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