Have you ever heard of thaumatin? If not, you’re not alone.
This natural sweetener is often overlooked due to its lack of presence in the mainstream market.
However, thaumatin is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to sugar, and for a good reason.
Let’s take a closer look at thaumatin and what makes it a great sugar alternative.
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What is Thaumatin?
Thaumatin is a naturally-occurring sweetener derived from the West African katemfe fruit.
It is a protein-based sweetener with a sweetness level similar to sugar and is often used as a sugar substitute.
Thaumatin is unique in that it has no bitter aftertaste and is heat-stable, meaning it can be used in cooking and baking.
Benefits of Thaumatin
Thaumatin has numerous benefits, the first of which is its low-calorie content.
It is estimated that thaumatin has around 1/3 of the calories of sugar.
The sweetener also has a glycemic index of zero, which makes it a good choice for those watching their blood sugar levels.
It’s also a good source of dietary fibre, which helps keep your digestive system running smoothly.
How is Thaumatin Used?
Thaumatin can be used as a sugar replacement in many different recipes, such as baked goods, smoothies, and other sweet treats.
It is often used in conjunction with other sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, to create a balanced sweetness.
Thaumatin can also be used to sweeten beverages, such as tea or coffee, as well as used as a topping on yogurt or oatmeal.
Thaumatin is the only sweetener used in Sorted’s Refreshingly Healthy Prebiotic Soft Drinks.
No Side Effects
Artificial sweeteners are used widely across food and drinks in supermarkets.
But, these sweeteners have also been proven to have adverse health effects such as dizziness, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and mood changes for aspartame. (More here).
By comparison, Thaumatin doesn’t have any such side effects at all because it’s derived from plants.
Plant-Based & Natural
Thaumatin is a plant-based sweetener, making it a great choice for those looking for a vegan or vegetarian option.
The fruit itself comes from a large flowering herb which can grow up to 4 m high. It’s commonly found in the rainforests of West Africa.
Way Better Than Regular Sugar
Sugar is one of the most widely used sweeteners in the world, but it can be difficult to break the habit.
Thaumatin is the perfect sugar substitute, as it is just as sweet as sugar but much lower in calories and glycemic index.
This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to quit sugar.
FUN FACT: Thaumatin is one of the sweetest substances known to humans. It’s 3,250 times sweeter than sugar (when compared to a 7.5% sucrose solution)
Healthy(er) Sweetener Alternative
There are many other healthy alternatives to sugar, such as honey, maple syrup, stevia, and monk fruit.
But, thaumatin is the perfect balance of sweetness and health benefits. It also doesn’t have that strange bitter aftertaste that some people find in Stevia.
It is much lower in calories than other sweeteners, and it is an excellent source of dietary fibre.
Since Thaumatin doesn’t spike insulin it is considered Diabetic friendly. For those following a low-FODMAP or Keto diet, this is a great natural sweetener alternative to sugar.
Conclusion
Thaumatin is an often overlooked natural sweetener gaining popularity as a sugar alternative. It has many great benefits, such as its low-calorie content, its glycemic index of zero, its plant-based protein content, and its lack of bitter aftertaste. Thaumatin is a great choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake or add a nutrient boost to their diet. Look for thaumatin in your next sweet treat and enjoy a guilt-free treat!
