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Sweeteners   

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Definition:

There are two types of sweeteners: caloric (nutritive) and noncaloric (non nutritive). The caloric sweeteners provide 4 Calories per gram; and the noncaloric varieties provide zero.

Functions

Caloric sweeteners provide the sweet flavor and bulk to the food to which they have been added. They also provide freshness and contribute to the product quality. Caloric sweeteners act as a preservative in jams and jellies, and a flavor enhancer for processed meats. They provide fermentation for breads and pickles, bulk to ice creams, and body to carbonated beverages. Some caloric sweeteners are made by processing the sugar compounds and some occur naturally.

Noncaloric sweeteners are used in place of caloric sweeteners in some cases. They do not provide calories, but they do provide the sweet taste. All noncaloric sweeteners are chemically processed.

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