Skip to content
Sugar Free®
Sugar Free®
Natural Sweeteners Guide Best Sugar Alternatives UK

Natural Sweeteners Guide: Best Sugar Alternatives UK (2026)

Diablo Sugar Free - Complete Sweetener Guide

Natural and Artificial Sweeteners: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about stevia, monk fruit, polyols, and artificial sweeteners, with calories, GI scores, safety data, and the best options for people managing blood sugar

Updated April 2026 12-minute read Evidence-based Doctor-referenced
Quick Answer

What Are Natural Sweeteners?

Natural sweeteners are plant- or animal-derived substances that provide sweetness with fewer calories and a lower blood sugar impact than refined table sugar. Here is what the evidence shows:

  • +Stevia and monk fruit have a glycaemic index of zero and zero calories, making them the top choices for people managing diabetes
  • +Polyols (sugar alcohols) such as maltitol, erythritol, and isomalt provide sweetness with 0 to 2.6 kcal/g compared to sugar's 4 kcal/g
  • +Artificial sweeteners including stevia, sucralose, and aspartame all have a GI of zero and are approved by the UK Food Standards Agency
  • !Not all sugar-free products are equal: honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar are natural but still raise blood sugar
  • !Maltitol, widely used in cheap sugar-free confectionery, has a GI of approximately 35 and can raise blood glucose
  • +The global natural sweeteners market was valued at USD 29.32 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 49.54 billion by 2033

You are standing in the supermarket aisle, trying to decode a label that lists maltitol, steviol glycosides, erythritol, and sucralose all in the same product. Which one is actually safe? Which one will spike your blood sugar? And what does any of this mean in practice?

This guide answers every one of those questions. Whether you are managing diabetes, following a keto or low-carb diet, reducing your calorie intake, or simply looking for cleaner ingredients in the food you enjoy, the choice of sweetener matters far more than most people realise.

We cover every major natural and artificial sweetener, where it comes from, how it behaves in the body, what the research says about safety and blood sugar impact, and how Diablo Sugar Free uses this science to create confectionery you can actually enjoy without compromise.

Medical Note

This guide references peer-reviewed research and guidance from Diabetes UK, the UK Food Standards Agency, the International Diabetes Federation, PMC-indexed clinical trials, and published systematic reviews. It is intended for educational purposes. Always consult your physician or registered dietitian for personalised dietary advice.

0
Glycaemic index of stevia and monk fruit, the two leading natural sweeteners
589M
Adults living with diabetes globally (International Diabetes Federation, 2024)
6%
Annual growth rate of the natural sweeteners market through to 2033
35
Glycaemic index of maltitol, the most commonly used polyol in cheap sugar-free products

What Is a Natural Sweetener and What Is Not

The word "natural" is one of the most misused terms in the food industry. A working definition based on food science is this: a natural sweetener is any sweetening substance derived from a plant, fruit, root, or other biological source that provides sweetness without heavy chemical synthesis of its core sweet compound.

The complication is that "natural" and "safe" are not the same thing, and neither are "natural" and "low-GI." Honey is entirely natural and will raise your blood sugar as fast as table sugar. Stevia, extracted and refined from leaves, is classified as natural but is still heavily processed before it reaches a product label.

Key Distinction

Diabetes UK notes that some stevia-based products are marketed as natural even though they are processed and refined. Sucralose, meanwhile, is classified as an artificial sweetener even though it is derived from sucrose. The terms overlap and the label alone is not a reliable guide to blood sugar impact. Always check the GI score and the full ingredient list.

For the purposes of this guide, sweeteners are grouped into four categories: high-intensity natural sweeteners (stevia, monk fruit), polyols and sugar alcohols (the bulking sweeteners used in most sugar-free confectionery), naturally occurring sugars from whole food sources (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar), and approved artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, acesulfame-K).

Natural High-Intensity Sweeteners

Stevia

Stevia is extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, a plant native to the southern Amazon rainforest in South America. Its sweet compounds, called steviol glycosides, are 200 to 300 times sweeter than table sugar, yet contain zero calories and have a glycaemic index of zero.

The UK Food Standards Agency has approved stevia (listed as steviol glycosides) for use in food products. It is heat stable, which means it works in baking and hot drinks. Clinical studies have found that 12 weeks of daily stevia consumption had no significant effect on body weight, fasting glucose, or insulin levels in healthy adults.

Diablo Sugar Free

Diablo Sugar Free uses stevia as one of its primary sweeteners across its chocolate bars, cookies, sweets and gummies. Zero added sugar, zero blood glucose impact from the sweetener itself, and no artificial colours.

Shop Diablo Stevia Chocolate

  • Calories: zero
  • Glycaemic index: 0
  • Blood sugar impact: none
  • Heat stable: yes
  • FSA approved: yes
  • Best for: diabetics, keto dieters, weight management, baking, hot drinks
  • Watch out for: some people notice a mild bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations; some blended stevia products contain bulking agents that add small amounts of carbohydrate

Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo)

Monk fruit extract comes from the Siraitia grosvenorii fruit, a small round melon native to southern China and northern Thailand. Its active sweet compound, mogroside V, provides sweetness that is 150 to 250 times more intense than sugar with a glycaemic index of zero and no caloric content.

Natural High-Intensity Sweeteners, primarily stevia and monk fruit, held a 31.21% share of the global natural sweeteners market in 2024 and are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.32% through to 2030, driven by adoption in both diabetes management and mainstream health-conscious eating.

  • Calories: zero
  • Glycaemic index: 0
  • Blood sugar impact: none
  • Heat stable: yes
  • Best for: people who dislike stevia's aftertaste; diabetics; keto and low-carb diets
  • Watch out for: higher cost than other sweeteners; less widely available in UK supermarkets; some commercial products blend monk fruit with dextrose, which does raise blood sugar

Honey, Maple Syrup and Coconut Sugar: The Natural Sweeteners That Still Raise Blood Sugar

These three sweeteners are often promoted as healthier alternatives to table sugar because they are natural and contain trace minerals and antioxidants. That is true, but it is also misleading when viewed through the lens of blood sugar management.

Raw honey has a glycaemic index of 55 to 70. Maple syrup sits at approximately 54. Coconut sugar, often marketed as a diabetic-friendly sweetener, has a GI of 35 to 54. All three will raise blood glucose. All three contain roughly 60 to 64 kcal per tablespoon. For people with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or those following keto or low-carb diets, these are not suitable sugar substitutes.

Important

The word "natural" does not mean "safe for blood sugar." Honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and coconut sugar all behave similarly to table sugar in the body. If blood glucose management is your goal, these sweeteners should be treated the same way as refined white sugar.

Polyols and Sugar Alcohols: The Sweeteners Inside Sugar-Free Confectionery

Polyols are the category of sweetener that most directly affects what you taste when you eat a Diablo Sugar Free chocolate, wafer, or muesli bar. Understanding how they work is essential if you are managing blood sugar, following a low-carb diet, or simply trying to make sense of a nutrition label.

Polyols are a type of carbohydrate found naturally in certain fruits, vegetables, and plant fibres. They are also manufactured as food additives. Chemically, they sit between sugars and alcohols because they contain hydroxyl groups, but they have no intoxicating effect. The defining feature of polyols is that they are only partially absorbed in the small intestine, which is why they provide fewer calories than sugar and cause a significantly lower blood glucose response.

What Diabetes UK Says About Polyols

Polyols contain carbohydrates and calories, but they have fewer calories and less of an effect on blood glucose levels than sucrose. It is not exactly clear how polyols should be counted by people who are adjusting their insulin dose according to carbohydrate intake, as not all of the carbohydrate from polyols is absorbed. People with diabetes should speak to their healthcare team for individual advice. Source: Diabetes UK.

The Seven Most Common Polyols Compared

Polyol Sweetness vs Sugar Calories (kcal/g) GI (approx.) Used in Diablo Products Key Notes
Erythritol 60 to 80% ~0 0 Selected products Best tolerated Minimal digestive side effects. Zero calories.
Xylitol ~100% 2.4 7 to 13 No Good Dental health benefits. Toxic to dogs.
Maltitol ~90% 2.1 35 No Use Caution Most sugar-like but raises blood sugar. Common in low-quality sugar-free chocolate.
Sorbitol ~60% 2.6 9 No Moderate Common in sugar-free sweets and gum.
Mannitol 50 to 70% 1.6 0 to 2 No Good Cooling sensation. Used in confectionery coatings.
Isomalt 45 to 65% 2.0 2 Selected products Good Ideal for hard sugar-free candies. Very low GI.
Lactitol 35 to 40% 2.4 6 No Good Used in baking and chocolate alternatives.

Sources: PMC/NCBI (Polyols as Antidiabetic Supplements, 2022), Diabetes UK, Diet vs Disease. GI values are approximate and may vary by product and individual response.

The One Polyol to Actively Avoid: Maltitol

Maltitol deserves special attention because it is the most widely misused polyol in commercial sugar-free confectionery. It is inexpensive, behaves like sugar in manufacturing processes, and delivers a texture almost identical to sucrose in chocolate. These properties make it attractive to manufacturers. For the consumer managing blood sugar, however, maltitol is a problem.

With a glycaemic index of approximately 35, maltitol raises blood glucose to a degree that no other polyol in common use does. A 2022 PMC review noted that the glycaemic and insulinemic responses of polyols vary significantly, and maltitol sits at the top of that range. The NHS University Hospitals Sussex dietitian guidance states directly that polyols sweetened products "can be as high in fat and calories as standard products" and are not recommended as diabetic food products.

When reading a sugar-free chocolate or confectionery label, if maltitol appears near the top of the ingredient list, that product is not optimal for blood glucose management regardless of its sugar-free labelling.

How Diablo Sugar Free Is Different

Diablo Sugar Free products use polyols including isomalt as sweetening and bulking agents, alongside stevia. The range does not rely on maltitol. This is a deliberate formulation choice that reflects the brand's commitment to products that genuinely serve people managing blood sugar, not simply products that meet a labelling threshold.

Shop Diablo Isomalt and Stevia Range

The Laxative Effect: What You Need to Know

All polyols share one important characteristic: consuming large amounts can cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, flatulence, and loose stools. This happens because polyols that are not absorbed in the small intestine travel to the large intestine, where they are fermented by gut bacteria.

The threshold varies by individual and by specific polyol, but as a general guide, most adults experience digestive effects above 15 to 25 grams of polyols in a single sitting. Erythritol has the best digestive tolerance of any commonly used polyol because the majority of it is absorbed and excreted without reaching the large intestine. Sorbitol and maltitol tend to cause effects at lower doses.

UK food labelling regulations require products containing polyols above a certain level to carry the advisory statement: "Excessive consumption may produce laxative effects." This is a legal requirement under EU regulations retained in UK law, and all Diablo Sugar Free products comply with this requirement.

Real Product Example: What Sweetens a Diablo Sugar Free Product?

To see polyol science in action, consider the Diablo NAS Hazelnut Muesli Bar (30g), a No Added Sugar product from the Diablo breakfast bar range. The nutritional profile, verified from Certificate of Analysis data, illustrates exactly what a well-formulated polyol-based product looks like.

Nutrient Per 100g Per 30g Serving
Energy (kJ) 1406 kJ 422 kJ
Energy (kcal) 335 kcal 101 kcal
Fat 9g 2.7g
of which saturates 2g 0.6g
Carbohydrates 67.5g 20.3g
of which sugars 4.5g 1.4g
of which polyols 22.5g 6.8g
Fibre 4.4g 1.3g
Protein 7.2g 2.2g
Salt 0.3g 0.09g

Source: Diablo Sugar Free Certificate of Analysis data. SKU: BRB-030-HZL-P28. The bar also provides Folic Acid 100mcg (50% NRV), Vitamin D 2.5mcg (50% NRV), and Iron 7mg (50% NRV) per 100g as mandatory enrichment for NAS muesli bars.

The sugar content of 4.5g per 100g compares to 60 to 70g of sugar you would find in a typical sweetened cereal bar. The polyols at 22.5g per 100g are delivering the sweetness and texture without triggering the blood sugar spike that refined sugar would cause. This is the practical difference that well-formulated sugar-free confectionery makes.

Artificial Sweeteners: The Complete Picture

Artificial sweeteners, also called non-nutritive sweeteners or high-intensity sweeteners, are synthesised compounds that deliver intense sweetness at very small doses. They have been part of the food supply since saccharin was discovered in 1879, and they remain the subject of ongoing public debate that often outstrips the available scientific evidence.

The key regulatory fact for UK consumers is this: all artificial sweeteners used in UK food products have been assessed and approved by the Food Standards Agency. The approval process requires evidence that a sweetener does not cause adverse health effects, including cancer, at any realistic level of consumption. As part of the process, an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) is set at 100 times below the smallest amount that might cause any health concern. Reaching that level through normal dietary consumption is virtually impossible for any approved sweetener.

Sweetener Type Sweetness vs Sugar Calories Heat Stable ADI (mg/kg/day) UK Brand Examples
Aspartame Artificial 200x ~0 No 40 Canderel, NutraSweet
Sucralose Derived from sucrose 600x ~0 Yes 15 Splenda
Saccharin Artificial 300 to 500x ~0 Yes 5 Sweetex, Hermesetas
Acesulfame-K Artificial 150 to 200x ~0 Yes 9 Hermesetas Gold, Sweet One
Stevia (steviol glycosides) Natural extract 200 to 300x ~0 Yes 4 (as steviol equivalent) Truvia, Stevia
Monk Fruit Natural extract 150 to 250x ~0 Yes Not set (GRAS status) Various

Sources: UK Food Standards Agency, NHS University Hospitals Sussex Dietitian guidance, Diabetes UK. ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake set at 100 times below the safety threshold.

A Note on Aspartame

Aspartame has been subject to the most public controversy of any approved sweetener. In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" in Group 2B. This classification covers substances with limited evidence and includes everyday items such as aloe vera extract and pickled vegetables. The same body that made this classification, the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, simultaneously maintained the existing ADI of 40 mg/kg/day and stated there was no convincing evidence to change safety recommendations. A 60-kg adult would need to consume 9 to 14 cans of diet soda every day to approach the ADI. People with phenylketonuria must avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine.

Glycaemic Index Master Reference

The Glycaemic Index measures how quickly a food raises blood glucose on a scale of 0 to 100, where pure glucose equals 100. For anyone managing blood sugar, GI is one of the most useful single metrics for comparing sweeteners. Foods with a GI below 55 are classified as low GI.

Stevia
0
Zero GI
Monk Fruit
0
Zero GI
Erythritol
0
Zero GI
Isomalt
2
Very Low
Sorbitol
9
Very Low
Xylitol
13
Very Low
Maltitol
35
Moderate
Coconut Sugar
54
Borderline
Honey
60
High
Table Sugar
65
High
Sweetener GI Score Calories (kcal/g) Diabetic-Friendly Keto-Friendly
Stevia 0 0.0 Yes Yes
Monk Fruit 0 0.0 Yes Yes
Erythritol 0 0.0 Yes Yes
Isomalt 2 2.0 Yes Partial net carbs
Mannitol 0 to 2 1.6 Yes Partial net carbs
Sorbitol 9 2.6 Yes Partial net carbs
Xylitol 7 to 13 2.4 Yes Partial net carbs
Lactitol 6 2.4 Yes Partial net carbs
Maltitol 35 2.1 Monitor Full net carbs
Coconut Sugar 35 to 54 3.8 Limited No
Honey 55 to 70 3.0 No No
Maple Syrup 54 2.6 No No
Table Sugar (sucrose) 65 4.0 No No

Sources: PMC/NCBI Suitability of Sugar Alcohols as Antidiabetic Supplements (2022), Diabetes UK, NHS University Hospitals Sussex, GoodRx. GI values are approximate reference figures and vary by brand, processing method, and individual metabolic response.

Shop Diablo Low-GI Confectionery

Natural vs Artificial Sweeteners: Key Differences

Factor Natural Sweeteners Artificial Sweeteners
Origin Plants, fruits, sap, root extracts Synthesised chemically, some from natural precursors
Calories 0 to 4 kcal/g depending on type 0 kcal in all approved types
Glycaemic Index 0 (stevia, monk fruit) to 35+ (maltitol) 0 for all approved types
Taste profile Varies; some polyols closely mimic sugar Very intense; some have aftertaste
Heat stability Most polyols and stevia are heat stable Aspartame is not; sucralose and acesulfame-K are
FSA approved (UK) Yes (polyols, stevia, thaumatin) Yes, with ADI established for each
Consumer perception Preferred for clean-label products More scrutinised; some consumer avoidance
Best suited for Baking, confectionery, drinks Beverages, tabletop sweeteners, ready meals

Which Sweetener Is Best for Your Goal

For Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control

Stevia and monk fruit are the most appropriate choices: zero calories, zero GI, no blood glucose impact. Among polyols, erythritol and isomalt have the lowest GI values and are the most suitable for people managing diabetes. Maltitol, with a GI of 35, is still far lower than table sugar but should be consumed in moderation and factored into carbohydrate counting if you are adjusting insulin doses.

The International Diabetes Federation reported in 2024 that approximately 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes, with over 81% in low- and middle-income countries. The demand for glucose-neutral sweeteners that allow people to continue enjoying food they love without compromising their health is both a public health priority and a growing commercial reality.

For Diabetics Who Want to Enjoy Confectionery

Diablo Sugar Free was formulated specifically for people who want to reduce or avoid sugar while still enjoying real confectionery. The range includes sugar-free chocolate bars, cookies and wafers, sweets and gummies, and no added sugar breakfast bars, all using stevia and polyols rather than maltitol or refined sugar.

Shop Diablo Diabetic-Friendly Range

For Weight Management

Zero-calorie sweeteners including stevia, monk fruit, and approved artificial sweeteners are the most effective tools for reducing calorie intake. The evidence on whether sweeteners support long-term weight loss is mixed. Some research suggests that consuming very sweet-tasting products without caloric content may increase overall appetite for sweet foods. The practical consensus among dietitians is that sweeteners are a useful tool for calorie reduction when used as part of a broadly balanced diet rather than as a justification for increased intake of sweet foods overall.

For Keto and Low-Carb Diets

Most keto communities count erythritol as zero net carbs due to its negligible metabolic impact. Stevia and monk fruit are zero net carbs by definition. Isomalt, xylitol, sorbitol, and lactitol are typically counted as partial net carbs, roughly 50% of their total carbohydrate value. Maltitol is counted as full net carbs by most keto practitioners given its GI of 35. Allulose, where available, is considered zero net carbs under FDA labelling rules, though it is not yet widely available in UK products pending EU novel food authorisation.

For Parents Looking for Healthier Treats for Children

The dental benefit of polyols is one of the most well-established advantages of sugar-free confectionery. Unlike sugar, polyols are not metabolised by oral bacteria, which means they do not produce the acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. This property is recognised by dental health organisations globally and is why polyols such as xylitol appear in sugar-free gums and mints. For children, this benefit alongside the absence of refined sugar makes well-formulated sugar-free confectionery a genuinely better option than conventional sweets, provided portions are appropriate for the child's size.

Practical Baking Conversion Guide

Sugar performs multiple functions in baking: sweetness, structure, moisture retention, browning via the Maillard reaction, and bulk. No single alternative sweetener replicates all of these simultaneously. Understanding what each sweetener can and cannot do is essential for successful sugar-free baking.

Sweetener Swap Ratio (vs 1 cup sugar) Browning Moisture Retention Best Used For Limitation
Erythritol 1:1 Poor Poor (can dry out) Cookies, frostings, icings Can have cooling sensation on tongue; may crystallise
Xylitol 1:1 Moderate Good Cakes, cookies, muffins Toxic to dogs; keep away from pets
Maltitol 1:1 Good Good Chocolates, pastry, biscuits Raises blood sugar; not suitable for diabetics at volume
Isomalt 1:1 Yes (at higher temp) Moderate Hard candies, sugar work, decorations Sets differently from sucrose; requires practice
Stevia (pure extract) 1 tsp = 1 cup No No Drinks, light sauces, yoghurt Does not provide bulk or structure; needs a bulking agent
Monk Fruit blend 1:1 (blend with erythritol) Moderate Moderate General baking, pancakes, waffles More expensive; availability varies in UK

Note: Conversion ratios apply to blended commercial sweetener products formulated for baking. Pure high-intensity extracts require significantly smaller quantities. Always follow manufacturer guidance for the specific product.

Baking Tip

The most reliable approach for sugar-free baking is to use a blend: a zero-calorie high-intensity sweetener such as stevia or monk fruit for sweetness, combined with a polyol such as erythritol for bulk and texture. This combination mimics the functional properties of sugar more closely than either sweetener alone and avoids the cooling sensation that pure erythritol can produce.

UK Regulatory Context

In the UK, sweeteners must be approved by the Food Standards Agency before they can be used in food products. The approval process includes comprehensive toxicological review, consumer exposure assessment, and the establishment of an Acceptable Daily Intake. ADIs are set at 100 times below the smallest amount that any study has found to cause any health concern, which is why it is effectively impossible to consume unsafe amounts of any approved sweetener through normal dietary use.

The sweeteners currently approved for use in UK food products include: acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamic acid and its salts, saccharin, steviol glycosides, sucralose, thaumatin, and the polyols sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, and erythritol.

EU regulations retained in UK law require products containing polyols to carry the advisory statement that excessive consumption may produce laxative effects. This is required above specified usage thresholds and must appear on the product label.

One important distinction relevant to UK consumers is the difference between "Sugar Free" and "No Added Sugar" on product labels. Sugar Free means no sugars are present at all. No Added Sugar means no sugar has been added during manufacture, but naturally occurring sugars from ingredients may still be present. Both claims are legally defined and regulated. Diablo Sugar Free products use both designations accurately: Sugar Free products (SF) contain no added sugar, while No Added Sugar products (NAS) may contain naturally occurring sugars from ingredients such as fruit or oats.

Sugar Free vs No Added Sugar

These are not interchangeable claims. Sugar Free means the product contains no sugars of any kind above trace levels. No Added Sugar means no sugar has been added to the recipe, but ingredients themselves may contain naturally occurring sugars. Always check the per-100g sugars figure on the nutrition panel rather than relying on the front-of-pack claim alone.

*      *      *

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the healthiest natural sweetener for people with diabetes?
The most appropriate natural sweeteners for people with diabetes are stevia and monk fruit extract. Both have a glycaemic index of zero, contain zero calories, and have no impact on blood glucose levels. Among polyols, erythritol and isomalt are the most diabetes-friendly options, with GI values of 0 and 2 respectively. Maltitol, with a GI of approximately 35, is still significantly lower than table sugar but should be accounted for in carbohydrate counting if you are adjusting insulin doses. Always consult your healthcare team for personalised guidance on sweetener choices.
What is the difference between natural and artificial sweeteners?
Natural sweeteners are derived from plants, fruits, or biological sources. Examples include stevia from Stevia rebaudiana leaves, monk fruit from Siraitia grosvenorii, honey, maple syrup, and sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol derived from plant fibres. Artificial sweeteners are chemically synthesised, though some are made from natural precursors. Examples include aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame-K. Both categories are approved for use in UK food products by the Food Standards Agency. Both can reduce sugar and calorie intake. The main practical difference for consumers is perception: natural sweeteners are increasingly favoured for clean-label products, but from a blood sugar perspective, what matters is the GI of the specific sweetener, not whether it is labelled natural or artificial.
Are sugar alcohols (polyols) safe for diabetics to eat every day?
Yes, polyols are generally safe for people with diabetes to consume regularly in moderate amounts. They are only partially absorbed in the gut, produce a significantly lower blood glucose response than sugar, and contain fewer calories. The exception is maltitol, which has a GI of approximately 35 and raises blood sugar more than other polyols. The main practical consideration with all polyols is digestive tolerance: consuming above approximately 15 to 25 grams in a single sitting can cause bloating, gas, or a laxative effect in some individuals. If you adjust your insulin based on carbohydrate intake, speak to your diabetes care team about how to count polyols in your calculations.
Which sweetener does not raise blood sugar at all?
Stevia, monk fruit extract, erythritol, and all approved artificial sweeteners including aspartame, sucralose, saccharin, and acesulfame-K have a glycaemic index of zero and do not raise blood glucose. Among the polyols, erythritol (GI 0), isomalt (GI 2), mannitol (GI 0 to 2), and lactitol (GI 6) have the lowest blood sugar impact. Allulose, approved in the United States and considered blood-glucose neutral, is not yet widely available in UK products pending EU novel food authorisation.
What sweeteners are approved by the FSA in the UK?
The UK Food Standards Agency has approved the following sweeteners for use in food products: acesulfame K, aspartame, cyclamic acid and its salts (cyclamate), saccharin, steviol glycosides (stevia), sucralose, thaumatin, and the polyols sorbitol, mannitol, isomalt, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol, and erythritol. All approved sweeteners have an Acceptable Daily Intake set at 100 times below the smallest amount that could cause a health concern. Reaching unsafe levels through normal dietary consumption is not realistically possible with any approved sweetener.
Is stevia better than monk fruit?
Both stevia and monk fruit have a glycaemic index of zero, contain zero calories, and have no impact on blood glucose. The primary difference between them is taste. Stevia can have a slightly bitter or liquorice-like aftertaste at higher concentrations, which some people notice and some do not. Monk fruit tends to have a cleaner, rounder sweetness with less aftertaste but is considerably more expensive and less widely available in UK products. Neither is definitively better from a health perspective. The right choice depends on personal taste preference and budget.
Why does maltitol appear in so many sugar-free products if it raises blood sugar?
Maltitol is widely used in commercial sugar-free confectionery because it is significantly cheaper than stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol, and it behaves almost identically to sugar in manufacturing. It can be used in the same proportions as sugar, produces similar texture and mouthfeel, and requires no reformulation of existing recipes. From a labelling perspective, products sweetened exclusively with maltitol can carry a "no added sugar" or "sugar-free" claim even though they raise blood glucose to a degree that other polyols do not. This is why reading the ingredient list, not just the front-of-pack claim, matters when choosing sugar-free products for blood sugar management.

References and Sources

  1. Diabetes UK. Sugar, Sweeteners and Diabetes. diabetes.org.uk
  2. UK Food Standards Agency. Sweeteners Approval List and Guidance. food.gov.uk
  3. NHS University Hospitals Sussex. Food Fact: Sweeteners. Leaflet produced by University Hospitals Sussex Dietitians. uhsussex.nhs.uk
  4. International Diabetes Federation. Diabetes Around the World in 2024. idf.org
  5. Benucci I., Lombardelli C., Esti M. (2024). A comprehensive review on natural sweeteners: impact on sensory properties, food structure, and new frontiers for their application. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Vol 65, No 24.
  6. PMC/NCBI. Suitability of Sugar Alcohols as Antidiabetic Supplements: A Review. PMC9261844
  7. Mordor Intelligence. Natural Sweeteners Market Report 2024 to 2030. mordorintelligence.com
  8. Frontiers in Nutrition. Artificial Sweeteners and Type 2 Diabetes: A Review (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1411560
  9. GoodRx Health. 13 Best Natural Sweeteners That Are Healthier Than Sugar. goodrx.com
  10. Virta Health. Best Sugar Substitutes for Diabetes. virtahealth.com
  11. Diet vs Disease. Your Complete Guide to Polyols and Health. UK Registered Dietitian authored. dietvsdisease.org

Try Sugar-Free Confectionery Made the Right Way

Diablo Sugar Free uses stevia and carefully chosen polyols across its full range of chocolates, cookies, wafers, sweets, and breakfast bars. No maltitol. No added sugar. No artificial colours. Just genuine flavour, made for people who refuse to compromise on what they enjoy.

Shop Diablo Sugar Free

No maltitol. No added sugar. No blood sugar spike. Just real indulgence, done right.

Back to blog