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SWEETENER COMPARISON
Sucralose vs Erythritol: A Manufacturer Guide
Sucralose supplies high-intensity sweetness at low dose. Erythritol supplies crystalline bulk and can feel cool. Test a blend if the finished product needs both jobs.
Compare candidates at the same perceived sweetness in the finished base. Record the actual dose, process and serving conditions.
Compare at equal sweetness
| Comparison | Sucralose | Erythritol |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | About 600 times sucrose as a reference. | About 0.6–0.8 times sucrose as a reference. |
| Calories | Pure sucralose is non-nutritive; check any carrier. | The guide cites a U.S. nutrition-labelling factor of 0 kcal/g. |
| Browning | Not covered in the source guides — test it in your own base | Not covered in the source guides — test it in your own base |
| Bulk | Low use level does not replace sugar mass. | Contributes crystalline solids and affects bulk and texture. |
| Aftertaste | Check the chosen preparation at the target dose. | Check cooling and how it fits the serving temperature and flavor. |
| Stability | Check processing conditions and distribution at low dose. | Check dissolved solids, recrystallization and storage texture. |
| Labelling | Identify the high-intensity sweetener and any blend ingredients. | Identify erythritol as a polyol and check destination rules. |
| Best-fit application | High-intensity applications where the recipe supplies its own bulk. | Products that need dry bulk and can accept its taste and texture. |
| Cost-in-use | Use the tested dose that reaches the target, then compare cost per finished unit. | Use the tested dose that reaches the target, then compare cost per finished unit. |
Which should you trial?
- Low-dose sweetness
- Start with a named sucralose preparation if the formula has adequate bulk.
- Dry crystalline bulk
- Include erythritol and check cooling, handling and storage.
- Both intensity and bulk
- Compare a blend at equal sweetness and check the physical result as well as taste.
