Rumors say that apple sugar is a good sugar substitute

The fact that apple sugar is a good sugar substitute, especially for those who have to control blood sugar, is definitely 100% wrong. Sugar is usually always sugar, no matter what form it comes in.

Some forms such as honey are better than refined sugar, but apple sugar, also known as apple juice concentrate or apple syrup, is a sweetener made from apples. A sugar. Although it’s a natural sweetener, it still has a high sugar content and can affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

In general, people with diabetes are advised to limit their intake of all types of added sugar, including apple sugar. Consuming too much sugar can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be harmful to people with diabetes.

However, if you’re going to consume apple sugar, it’s important to do it in moderation and with a balanced meal or snack that contains protein and fiber. This can help slow the absorption of sugar in the blood and minimize the impact on blood sugar levels.

Apple sugar has a similar caloric content to other types of sugar. It contains about 4 calories per gram.

This means that one tablespoon (about 20 grams) of apple sugar contains around 80 calories. It’s important to note that apple sugar, like other sugars, is a concentrated source of calories and can contribute to weight gain if consumed too much of it.

If you’re counting calories or trying to manage your weight, it’s essential to pay attention to your intake of all types of added sugar, including apple sugar, and to limit your consumption to moderate amounts.

Although it may offer some nutritional benefits compared to other types of added sugar, apple sugar is still a concentrated source of calories and may have similar effects on blood sugar levels as other sugars.

One potential benefit of apple sugar is that it contains some vitamins and minerals found naturally in apples, such as vitamin C and potassium. However, these nutrients are present in small amounts, and the sugar content of apple sugar outweighs any potential nutritional benefits.

It’s important to remember that all types of added sugar, including apple sugar, should be consumed in moderation. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, dental problems and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

If you’re looking for a natural sweetener with potential health benefits, consider using small amounts of whole fruit, like chopped apples or berries, as a sweetener instead of concentrated sweeteners like apple sugar. This can provide extra fiber and nutrients while satisfying your sweet tooth. 

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly foods containing carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels. Apple sugar, which is a concentrated source of carbohydrates, has a high GI value.

The exact GI value of apple sugar can vary depending on factors such as how it is processed and consumed, but in general, it is estimated to have a GI value of around 65-75. This is considered a moderate to high GI value.

Refined sugar, which is also known as table sugar or sucrose, has a high glycemic index (GI). The exact GI value of refined sugar can vary depending on factors such as the source of the sugar and how it is consumed, but in general, it is estimated to have a GI value of around 60-70, so it could actually be lower than apple sugar.

Are dried Apples better?

Some have named dried apples for apple sugar. The glycemic index (GI) of dried apple can vary depending on factors such as the variety of apple and how it is processed, but in general, it has a moderate to high GI value. The GI value of dried apples is estimated to be around 29-44, depending on the specific variety and processing method.

Dried apple is a concentrated source of calories, as the water content of the fruit is removed during the drying process. 20 grams of dried apple slices contain approximately 50 calories.

It can be difficult to directly compare the sweetness of dried apples and refined sugar because they are two different types of sweeteners with different sweetness levels and properties.

However, it is worth noting that dried apples are a natural sweetener that contains naturally occurring sugars such as fructose and glucose. These sugars are less concentrated than the sucrose (table sugar) found in refined sugar, and as a result, dried apples are typically less sweet than refined sugar gram for gram.

In terms of sweetness, 1 gram of dried apple slices contains approximately 0.014 grams of sugar, while 1 gram of refined sugar contains approximately 0.99 grams of sugar. This means that refined sugar is approximately 70 times sweeter than dried apple slices on a gram-for-gram basis. Our natural sweetener JustSweet is 1,750 times sweeter than dried apples (which some call apple sugar), so it is a much more economic sweetener.

All types of sugar can cause a relatively rapid increase in blood sugar levels when consumed. For people with diabetes, consuming too much sugar can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and may increase the risk of long-term complications.

Limit the intake

Don’t let sugars with new names, in new forms fool you. Sugar is sugar and it is important to note that consuming too much of any type of added sugar, whether it is refined sugar, honey, maple syrup, or apple sugar can have negative health effects. To help manage blood sugar levels and promote overall health, it is recommended to limit intake of all types of added sugars and focus on consuming a balanced diet rich in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

It is important for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels and limit their intake of high-GI foods, including apple sugar, to help manage their condition. Choosing lower GI sweeteners, such as stevia or erythritol, or our own JustSweet (Low GI), may be a better option for those with diabetes who are looking for sweeteners that have less impact on blood sugar levels.

Apples contain carbohydrates, but this has minimal effect on blood sugar when eaten as a whole fruit. They are very nutritious and are a good choice for a healthy diet.

It’s also important to consult with a health care provider, such as a registered dietitian, to determine which foods and drinks are appropriate for your individual needs and goals for blood sugar control. Please see our disclaimer page.

Claudia Renata Peres Münch-Yttereng
CRO sorze4 AS
Master of Science, Nutrition, obesity and eating disorders,