0-calorie sweeteners?

kittyninja
kittyninja Posts: 118
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I always use so-called "0-calorie sweeteners" (natural ones, not Splenda). I'm a big stevia fan, but right now I'm stocked up on Ideal (xylitol).
The thing that bothers me is that the nutrition information says this stuff has zero calories, but 1.5 grams of carbs per teaspoon. It's not possible to have carbs without calories, is it? I wouldn't worry about such a small amount of carbs if I didn't use larger amounts of this stuff in baking, etc. So what's the deal?

Replies

  • mallory3411
    mallory3411 Posts: 839 Member
    I have never thought of that! But things can have carbs and other nutritional things in it even if it's calorie free.
  • kittyninja
    kittyninja Posts: 118
    I have never thought of that! But things can have carbs and other nutritional things in it even if it's calorie free.

    I just don't see how, considering calories are made up of carbs, protein, and fat.
  • luckygirl007
    luckygirl007 Posts: 68 Member
    There are 4 calories for every gram of carbs, 4 calories for every gram of protein, and 9 calories for every gram of fat. so it would have to have 6 calories if there are 1.5 grams of carbs. So for them to say it is calorie free is misleading. I have heard it is a good natural sweetener although i am a stevia fan also.
  • kittyninja
    kittyninja Posts: 118
    There are 4 calories for every gram of carbs, 4 calories for every gram of protein, and 9 calories for every gram of fat. so it would have to have 6 calories if there are 1.5 grams of carbs. So for them to say it is calorie free is misleading. I have heard it is a good natural sweetener although i am a stevia fan also.

    That's what I'm saying. I hate misleading packaging! Even the nutrition information on this site is wrong :/
  • issyfit
    issyfit Posts: 1,077 Member
    What is a "serving size" because I believe they can say 0 if it's less than 1 cal per serving.
  • HMonsterX
    HMonsterX Posts: 3,000 Member
    Anything with less than 5 cals is allowed to be listed as 0 cals.
  • yesthistime
    yesthistime Posts: 2,051 Member
    I was drinking a Sobe LifeWater this morning, and it says it has 0 calories and 18 grams of carbs in a 20 oz. bottle. I believe it is made with "Pure Via" (a brand of stevia). Interesting....
  • kittyninja
    kittyninja Posts: 118
    What is a "serving size" because I believe they can say 0 if it's less than 1 cal per serving.

    That's true. A serving size is 1 teaspoon, which according to the amount of carbs is 6 calories.
  • kittyninja
    kittyninja Posts: 118
    Are there any sweeteners that are truly 0-calorie and 0-carbs?
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