Sugar-Free Chocolate
For many diabetics, the lure of chocolate is tempered by their bodies’ inability to process the high concentrations of sugar contained in most sweet chocolate products. Parents sometimes prefer their children avoid sugary products due to the potential for tooth decay, and some people simply prefer sugar-free products to those that use regular sugar.
Although pure chocolate is naturally sugar-free, most people do not enjoy this raw form of chocolate. It is only through the addition of sugar (and milk) that we get the sweet creamy treat that is today’s staple form of chocolate. Luckily there is a solution: sugar-free chocolate.
The main substitute in sugar-free chocolates is a sugar alcohol called maltitol, which contains sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and isomalt. Since only part of the Maltitol is digested and absorbed slowly, the diabetic’s body is able to process it without too much problem. However, it is important to understand that sugar-free chocolate should only be consumed in small quantities (no more than 50 grams of sorbitol or 20 grams of mannitol per day) otherwise gas and diarrhea may result. That sure takes the fun out of eating sugar-free chocolate!
Another fact that is important to remember is that sugar-free does not necessarily mean dietetic, as the high concentration of cocoa butter, which is high in fat, is no lower than in normal chocolate. Those who consume sugar-free chocolate should keep in mind their total fat and calorie intake if trying to maintain or lose weight.
In order to reduce the intake of maltitol, consider going more for the sugar-free dark chocolate, as as it has a much lower need for sweeteners and a much more intense taste. However, while some people find the slight bitterness appealing, others do not. It is worth noting that dark sugar-free chocolate will be healthier for your body than sugar-free chocolate candy due to the greater quantity of antioxidants.
If you’re not sure how to use sugar-free chocolate in cooking or baking, you can find a variety of sugar-free chocolate recipe ideas online. Consider even going sweetener-free with savory dishes such as the famous Mexican Chocolate Mole sauce. Enjoy sugar-free chocolate, and and milk-free chocolate too, as it was originally consumed by the Aztecs.