All About Allulose

Lakanto has long been committed to offering sugar alternatives that cater to diverse tastes, lifestyles and dietary needs, and our Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose is no exception. The Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose delivers familiar sweetness and more choice.

All of Lakanto’s sweetener ingredients come from natural sources, do not affect blood glucose, and contribute no calories or net carbs.  Allulose is only about 70% as sweet as sugar, so it's a perfect blend with monk fruit which is 300 times as sweet as sugar. Just as many of Lakanto’s monk fruit sweeteners include erythritol, we’ve expanded the line with the allulose option for customers that prefer it. Our sweetener experts use these sweetener combinations to achieve just the right level of sweetness without any “off”, bitter, or metallic tastes.

Allulose 101

What Is Allulose?

Allulose is a type of sugar that resembles fructose, which is the sugar that occurs naturally in fruit. Allulose is also known as d-psicose (pronounced 'sea-cose'), d-allulose, or pseudo-fructose. Allulose can mimic some of the qualities of sugar, such as the ability to caramelize and brown. Allulose is a safe and natural sweetener that blends beautifully with Monk Fruit.

A Brief History of Allulose

The story of Allulose dates back to the late 1940s when researchers first discovered it in wheat. However, it remained relatively obscure until the 1990s, when its remarkable properties garnered increasing attention in the food industry.

What's in an Allulose Sweetener?

While many sugar replacements are synthetic, allulose can be found easily in nature. It's in wheat, figs, raisins, maple syrup, and more. Our Monkfruit Sweetener with Allulose is made using monk fruit, allulose, and nothing else.

Allulose vs. Sugar

The Sweetness Factor

Allulose is about 70% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar). While it doesn't match sugar's sweetness ounce for ounce, it allows for a pleasurable sweetness without the excessive calories.

Allulose's Low-Calorie Advantage

One of Allulose's most remarkable features is its low-calorie content. It contains only about 0.2 to 0.4 calories per gram, compared to the 4 calories per gram found in sugar. None of these calories are digested by our bodies, so that comes out to a net zero for humans. This calorie reduction is significant for those looking to manage their weight.

Effects on Blood Glucose

Allulose has little to no effect on blood glucose or insulin levels. Whereas sugar (sucrose) significantly raises blood sugar levels and as we know, sucrose is not recommended for diabetics with high blood sugar.

Allulose has a blood glucose of zero and doesn’t affect insulin levels.¹ In fact, it has even been shown to mellow the blood sugar spike of other foods when consumed together.

The Science Behind Allulose

The Molecular Structure of Allulose

Chemically, allulose is a monosaccharide, which means it's a single sugar molecule. While it shares the same building blocks as fructose and glucose, allulose has its own distinct molecular structure. Allulose belongs to a class of carbohydrates known as "ketohexoses." Its unique structure sets it apart from other sugars, contributing to its exceptional properties.

And, for you biochemistry enthusiasts!!!…this is a psicose (allulose) molecule vs. a sucrose molecule:

Psicose

Sucrose

Metabolism and Blood Sugar Impact

Unlike common sugars, Allulose is not metabolized by the body, and technically no digestion takes place on Allulose once it is consumed. Rather, Allulose is quickly absorbed by the body and mostly excreted in the same form. This is why it does not have a significant effect on blood sugar levels.

Safety Studies

You might be wondering about the safety of Allulose. Well, its safety profile has been thoroughly evaluated, and it has been shown to be a safe and healthy alternative to sugar for the general population. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first² deemed Allulose Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)  in 2016.

Functional Benefits of Allulose

Weight Management Support

One of the appealing aspects of allulose is its potential to support weight management. Its low-calorie content makes it a valuable tool for those looking to reduce calorie intake while still enjoying sweetness.

Dental Health

Allulose doesn’t contribute to tooth decay like common sugars, making it an exponentially better choice for dental health. That is why allulose is sometimes used in products like gum and toothpaste instead of sucrose.

Blood Sugar Management

For individuals concerned about blood sugar levels, Allulose can be a good ally. Its positive effects on blood sugar makes it an sweet option for anyone looking to stabilize their blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day.

Prebiotic Characteristics: A Gut Feeling

Allulose has also demonstrated prebiotic characteristics, which may prove to be another unique benefit contributing to gut health. Preliminary research suggests  that allulose may actually encourage the growth of certain beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Culinary Uses of Allulose

Allulose in Baking

Allulose is a fantastic addition to your kitchen or bakery. It behaves similarly to sugar in recipes, contributing to browning, texture and sweetness.

Allulose in Drinks

Allulose's solubility in water makes it an excellent choice for beverages of all kinds. From sodas to coffee and beyond, it dissolves easily, allowing you to enjoy sweet drinks with fewer calories and less sugar.

Allulose as a Functional Sweetener

Food manufacturers have embraced Allulose for its versatility. It enhances the taste and texture of a wide range of products, from beverages to baked goods.

Navigating Allulose Labels

By Any Other Name

Allulose is also known as d-psicose, d-allulose, or pseudo-fructose. On product labels, it is most often listed as allulose or d-allulose.

Listed as a Carb?

Keep in mind that allulose is typically listed as a carbohydrate on nutrition labels in the United States, but its calorie content is lower than traditional sugars, and it isn’t digested by our bodies, so it contributes zero net calories to the overall product.

Understanding Net Carbs and Allulose

If you're following a low-carb diet, understanding "net carbs" is crucial. Net carbs represent the total carbohydrates that our body can break down. This means fiber and certain sugar alcohols don’t affect the net carb count of foods. Since allulose isn’t metabolized by the body, it fits into this same category and can be subtracted from the total carb count.

FDA Labeling Update

Because it is absorbed and metabolized differently from other sugars, in 2019 the FDA exempted Allulose from the listing of total and added sugar amounts on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts labels. It still requires listing it as a carbohydrate (as are dietary fiber and sugar alcohols). Although, with 0.4 kcal per gram, Allulose has approximately 1/10 the calories of other carbohydrates, none of which our bodies can digest.

Navigating Allulose Labels

Myth 1: Allulose is an Artificial Sweetener

Fact: Allulose is a naturally occurring sugar found in small quantities in certain foods like wheat, figs, and raisins. It's derived from natural sources and is recognized as safe by regulatory authorities.

Myth 2: Allulose Causes Digestive Discomfort

Fact: Allulose is generally well-tolerated by most people and is less likely to cause digestive discomfort compared to other sugar replacement options, such as sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol. Allulose is less likely to cause gastrointestinal discomfort when consumed in moderation.

Myth 3: Allulose is High in Calories

Fact: Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener, providing only about 0.2 to 0.4 calories per gram, and none of those calories are absorbed by our bodies. It's an excellent option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake while enjoying sweetness.

Myth 4: Allulose Raises Blood Sugar Levels

Fact: Allulose has no impact on blood sugar levels. It's absorbed by the body but not metabolized in the same way that glucose or fructose are. As a result, it does not raise blood sugar levels and can be consumed by individuals managing their glucose levels.

Myth 5: Allulose Doesn't Taste Like Sugar

Fact: Allulose closely mimics the taste of sugar without the high-calorie content. It lacks the bitter or metallic aftertaste associated with some popular sweeteners, making it an amazing sugar replacement, particularly when paired with Monk Fruit sweetener.

Myth 6: Allulose Has No Health Benefits

Fact: Allulose offers potential health benefits, including its prebiotic characteristics that can promote a healthy gut microbiome. It can also help reduce overall calorie and sugar intake, which may help in overall weight management strategy. Allulose has also been shown to support dental health and does not contribute to tooth decay like sucrose does.

Myth 7: Allulose Cannot Be Used in Cooking or Baking

Fact: Allulose is an excellent choice for cooking and baking. It behaves similarly to sugar in recipes, contributing to browning, texture, and sweetness without adding excess calories. It's a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.

Myth 8: Allulose Is Only for People with Dietary Restrictions

Fact: While Allulose can be a valuable sugar alternative for those with dietary restrictions, it can be enjoyed by anyone looking to reduce their sugar intake or calorie consumption without sacrificing taste.

Allulose is a natural, low-calorie sweetener with a taste and texture that closely resembles regular sugar. It offers a suitable alternative for individuals looking to reduce their sugar intake while still enjoying sweet treats.

Lakanto's Natural Sweetener Ingredients At-A-Glance

	Allulose	Erythritol	Monk Fruit	Sugar
Natural Source	Found in wheat, figs, raisins, corn and other fruits and vegetables	Naturally occurring in some fruits and fermented foods	Extracted from Monk Fruit, a small tropical melon	Mostly derived from sugarcane or sugar beets
Caloric Content	Low-calorie sweetener with 0.2-0.4 calories per gram, and 0 that our bodies can absorb	Low-calorie with about 0.2 calories per gram, and 0 that our bodies can absorb	Virtually 0 calories - contains small amounts of natural sugars	High in calories with approximately 4 calories per gram
Sweetness	About 70% as sweet as sugar	About 70% as sweet as sugar	150-300% sweeter than sugar	Provides sweetness but comes with high calories and carbs
Effects on Blood Sugar	Due to lack of calories, diabetics can consume the sweetener without spiking blood sugar levels⁵	Does not raise blood sugar levels and is great for diabetics	No impact on blood sugar levels, great for diabetics	Raises blood sugar levels, usually not recommended for diabetics
Dental Health	Supports dental health, does not promote tooth decay	Does not promote tooth decay and is considered tooth-friendly	Does not promote tooth decay and is considered tooth-friendly	Contributes to tooth decay and cavities
Digestive Tolerance	Well-tolerated by most people, less likely to cause digestive discomfort	Well-tolerated, but excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues	Well-tolerated, can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms in excess amounts	May ferment in the gut, potentially leading to gas and laxation
Prebiotic Characteristics	YES	NO	YES	NO
Artificially/ Synthetically Produced	NO	NO	NO	NO
Sugar Alcohol	NO	YES	NO	NO
1st Granted	2016	2001	2010	1988*