Project Materials

DETERMINATION OF ACTIVE SWEET COMPONENTS OF COMMON ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS THAT ARE USED AS REPLACEMENT FOR SUGAR

ABSTRACT

This study looked at how the sweetness of sugar substitutes compared to the sweetness of sugar. In this study, various proportion solutions of sugar, artificial sweetener, and natural sweetener were created (10%, 1%, 0.1%, and 0.01%). Ten individuals participated in a sensory evaluation of the solution, and their taste threshold was determined. The artificial sweetener was discovered to be the sweetest of the compounds tested, and at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.01% saccharin, an artificial sweetener was able to replicate the taste of sugar. Artificial sweeteners are non-nutritive and have essentially no calories, as opposed to sugar, which has 4 calories per gramme (a teaspoon of sugar is around 4 grammes). For weight loss, artificial sweeteners may be a more appealing alternative than sugar. Artificial sweeteners, unlike sugar, do not cause blood sugar levels to rise, making them a viable option for diabetic patients.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

A sugar substitute is a food additive that has the same taste as sugar but requires less food energy. Some sugar substitutes are natural while others are synthetic. Those that are not naturally occurring are commonly referred to as artificial sweeteners.

Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes can be found in a wide range of sugar-free or diet-friendly foods and beverages, including soft drinks, chewing gum, jellies, baked goods, sweets, fruit juice, ice cream, and yoghurt.

[Whitney 2011]. People may not all appreciate the same type of baked goodies, but one thing we all agree on is that baked treats should be sweet.

Sugar is normally used to sweeten dishes, but would cake taste the same if the baker used sugar replacements instead? Many people prefer to use sugar sparingly for health reasons and instead rely on sugar substitutes to sweeten their dishes. But are sugar alternatives equivalent to sugar? What are the distinctions between sugar and sugar substitutes?

Sugar, commonly known as sucrose, comes from plants such as sugar cane and sugar beets and is a carbohydrate. Sugar gives bulk to cakes, cookies, and snacks. It also induces browning and caramelisation when heated, as seen in golden-brown biscuits in the oven.

Sugar is a natural molecule that our bodies may use as energy. Sugar substitutes fall into three categories: artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and natural sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners are appealing because they add virtually no calories to foods and are occasionally used in weight control programs.

They also do not raise blood sugar levels, making them safe for diabetics to take. Many artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose, were discovered accidentally in the laboratory. In 1976, an English scientist began researching various sugar-based molecules.

The scientist asked a student to test the substances, but the student really tested them. Sugar alcohols are another type of sugar replacement. Sugar alcohols are not alcoholic beverages since they contain no ethanol.

Sugar alcohols, like sugar, contain calories and energy, although not in the same amount. Sugar alcohols, like artificial sweeteners, do not cause tooth decay and have a gradual effect on blood sugar levels, allowing diabetics to utilise them. Although sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol are synthesised, their origins are frequently natural.

1.1 Aim and Objectives of the Study

AIM

1. To develop a substitute to sugar by mimicking the sweetness inherent in natural sugar.

Objectives:

i. Compare the sweetness of sugar alternatives to that of sugar. In this study, sugar and sugar alternatives will be examined and their sweetness compared to sugar.

ii. Compare the availability and price of the active ingredients in artificial sweeteners and sugar.

iii. Understand the components of this artificial sweetener and what makes them taste sweet.

1.2 Significance of the Study

People with diabetes will benefit more from artificial sweeteners that replicate the taste of sugar. Artificial sweeteners, unlike sugar, do not elevate blood sugar levels since they do not include carbs.