Erythritol is our primary sweetener, here and here, because it meets our strict criterion of being ultra-low glycemic with minimum interaction with the digestive tract. Erythritol is a natural, low calorie sweetener that tastes good and has a glycemic index value near 0! A glycemic value of zero represents a sweetener that has “no effect” on blood sugar levels. Furthermore, unlike the less expensive sugar alcohols, erythritol is a very tiny molecule that is rapidly absorbed from the small intestine instead of being metabolized. This means that erythritol, although sweet in your mouth, is the least likely to add calories or cause digestive upset. We use erythritol instead of maltitol because we believe, based on personal experience, that maltitol sabotages low carb diets and is of limited value to diabetics. We also use a special blend of natural, low carb sweeteners to enhance your sweet experience. We personally test each ingredient in order to get the most pleasure and satiety per net carb count. Currently there are three accessory sweeteners. Inulin and Oligofructose are types of natural plant dietary fibers that taste sweet (don't you wish bran did?) but minimally impact serum glucose or insulin secretion. We use specific lengths of these fibers because our taste tests showed that they offered the best texture for the least glycemic impact. Stoneyfield Yogurt and others add these fibers to food for their nutritional and intestinal benefits and for texture and taste. As an added benefit, since they are fibers, inulin and oligofructose slow the release of glucose. We use Lo han kuo to add further sweetness. It is a powerfully sweet non-sugar that is isolated from a type of Chinese melon. Lo han kuo is often added to teas, like chai, for its healthful benefits. There are two artificial sweeteners, sucralose and AceK, present in tiny amounts. Sucralose is one of the ingredients in Splenda. We use it to produce the sweet aftertaste that people expect and love in chocolate. AceK is a very common, non-caloric artificial sweetener that acts synergistically in very tiny amounts so less total sweetener can be used in the final confection. We mix and match sweeteners to get the best taste in a healthful way for our carb conscious and diabetic customers. Our special recipe of sweeteners allows us to offer healthful alternatives to sugared chocolate and other sugary snacks. Our determination to use only the finest, truest low glycemic ingredients offers you a way to enjoy sweets and still stay safely sugar free and low carb. There is no longer any reason to sacrifice the great taste of chocolate. To your success! Arlene and Donna |