Consider low-calorie sweeteners

Low-calorie sweeteners (sugar substitutes) can provide the sweetness of sugar with fewer calories and carbohydrates. Using them in place of sugar can help you cut calories and stick to a healthy meal plan.

Artificial sweeteners

Examples of artificial sweeteners include:

• Acesulfame potassium (Sunett)
• Aspartame (Nutrasweet)
• Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
• Sucralose (Splenda)
• Neotame (Newtame)

Be aware, however, that you need to consider the calories and carbohydrates, which can affect your blood sugar level, in baked goods and other products made with artificial sweeteners.

Sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols make up another group of reduced-calorie sweetener. Sugar alcohols are often used in sugar-free candies, chewing gum and desserts. Check product labels for ingredients such as:

• Isomalt
• Maltitol
• Mannitol
• Sorbitol
• Xylitol

Foods with sugar alcohols have fewer calories and affect blood sugar less than foods with other sweeteners do. However, foods with sugar alcohols can still contain large amounts of calories, carbohydrates and fats, so read labels carefully. Also, sugar alcohols can cause diarrhea in some people.

Naturally derived sweeteners

Naturally derived sweeteners such as stevia (Truvia, Pure Via) offer other sweetening options. Keep in mind that the sugar-to-sweetener ratio is different for each product, so you might need to experiment until you find the taste you like.