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7 Best Powdered Erythritol

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With all the horror surrounding sugar use and how it is linked to health ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, the market for sugar substitutes has seen a boom over the past few decades.

Erythritol is one such sugar substitute that’s found naturally in certain foods and is also produced by fermenting cheese, wine, and beer.

Besides its naturally occurring form, it is also available as an artificial sweetener that you can easily find in the supermarket along with other similar products.

Promoted as a zero-calorie, tooth-friendly, and generally safe alternative, erythritol is available in both granulated and powdered forms.

So, what is the best powdered erythritol? The best powdered erythritol has erythritol as the only ingredient to guarantee its purity and should be certified organic, pesticide, chemical-free.

Read on to find out more about this great sugar substitute, along with a buyer’s guide on how to choose the best powdered erythritol and our picks of the 7 best ones.

Powdered Erythritol – Buyer’s Guide 

Though it may sound new, erythritol has been around for quite some time and is considered one of the most popular sweeteners.

If you wish to switch from sugar to erythritol, read our detailed buyer’s guide on how it differs from table sugar and what factors you should consider when choosing the best powdered erythritol for your sweet tooth.

What Is Erythritol?

Erythritol is a type of carbohydrate called polyol, also known as sugar alcohol, that is neither a sugar nor an alcohol.

It is a carbohydrate that is partially digested or not digested at all, also known as a low or non-digestible carbohydrate.

Naturally occurring erythritol is found in certain fruit, mushrooms, and fermented foods, although in very little amounts. Due to its minuscule quantity, none of its natural form is used to produce the store-bought variety.

Man-made erythritol is made from corn, or in certain rare cases, from pears and apples.

These sources produce erythritol more economically, which is first converted into a sugar (glucose or fructose) and then to erythritol through fermentation.

It is commonly used in foods that are low in sugar, or those labelled as sugar-free, and is designed to cater to individuals looking for a diet-friendly and healthy replacement to sugar.

Promoted as a natural and healthy alternative, erythritol is believed to have zero effects on blood sugar levels and is well-tolerated by the gut.

Does Erythritol Work Like Sugar?

Erythritol bakes in an identical manner as sugar and, since it is classified as a carbohydrate, in addition to adding sweetness to foods, it can also be used to add texture and bulk.

Erythritol comes in two crystal sizes: coarse and fine. Coarse erythritol looks just like regular sugar and is also called granular, granulated, or crystalline erythritol.

Fine crystals, on the other hand, are also called powdered or confectioner’s erythritol and look just like powdered sugar.

They dissolve quickly and more easily than granulated erythritol and can be used as a powdered sugar replacement in various desserts.

You may notice crunchy crystals being formed when you refrigerate or freeze desserts made with granulated erythritol. To minimize this issue, opt for powdered erythritol instead of the granulated variety in your recipes, especially frozen desserts.

You may either buy the powdered version of erythritol from the market or buy the granulated one and make your own powdered version by pulsing it in a food processor or coffee grinder.

Is Powdered Erythritol Sweet Like Sugar?

Although a great substitute, powdered erythritol is less sweet than sugar and creates a cooling sensation in the mouth, similar to sucking a mint but without the mint flavor.

To make their product look and taste like sugar, many manufacturers combine ingredients such as high-intensity sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or sucralose to blends of erythritol to make it sweeter.

Some manufacturers mix erythritol with low-digestible sweeteners to fix the sweetness level, although that may minimize the cooling effect produced by pure erythritol.

Since erythritol is 30-40% less sweet than sugar, you need to keep that in mind when replacing sugar in your recipes. It is always best to start with less and add more until you reach your desired sweetness level.

Although taste is subjective and what might work for one may not work for the other, here is an erythritol conversion chart to help you figure out the correct ratios: 

Sugar1 tsp1 tbsp¼ cup1/3 cup½ cup1 cup
Erythritol1 1/3 tsp1 1/3 tbsp1/3 cup1/3 cup + 4 tsp2/3 cup1 1/3 cup

Pros Of Powdered Erythritol

Used in countries like Japan for around 25 years, erythritol is used to sweeten desserts, beverages, and baked goods, without the negative health effects that sugar has on your body.

  • Virtually zero-calorie and great for weight watchers.
  • Zero glycemic index and does not affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
  • Tooth-friendly and does not cause cavities.
  • Least likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects, as compared with other sweeteners.
  • Acts as an antioxidant that protects against a range of diseases.
  • Looks and tastes very similar to sugar.
  • Does not absorb moisture and can be stored in a sugar bowl.
  • Stable at high temperatures, making it suitable to be used in a variety of cooking applications.

Cons Of Powdered Erythritol

Although powdered erythritol is widely promoted as a plant-based natural sweetener, it is, in reality, an artificial sweetener.

It is not directly extracted from a plant but is obtained through chemical processes that change and break down its natural components.

  • 30-40% less sweet than sugar, therefore, not a 1:1 substitute.
  • Possible digestive issues if over-consumed or ingested quickly in concentrated form or on an empty stomach.
  • Cooling sensation might be an undesirable distraction from the actual flavor of the food.
  • Does not turn brown like sugar during cooking and baking.
  • Pricier than table sugar.

Other Things To Consider

Since erythritol is an artificial sweetener that sweetens your foods and drinks and helps eliminate the need for sugar, three things are of utmost importance: purity, quality, and taste.

  • Purity – While many manufacturers are making powdered erythritol, not all of them sell it in its pure form. Instead, they sell a mix of erythritol with other sweeteners or bulk additives. It is very important to look at the ingredient list when buying an artificial sweetener containing erythritol to make sure it contains pure erythritol and no fillers.
  • Quality – Another important factor to consider is to look for erythritol sweeteners that are certified organic and pesticide and chemical-free. Since erythritol is usually extracted from a plant source, the presence of pesticides should be low or non-existent. Yet, if you are unsure about anything, it is best to contact the manufacturer to remove any doubts.
  • Taste – Since erythritol can have a bit of a funky taste, opt for products that taste exactly like sugar and do not leave a bitter aftertaste. Some manufacturers add supporting agents like monk fruit and oligosaccharides to smooth out the taste and provide a more natural sweet flavor.

7 Best Powdered Erythritol

As mentioned above, the best powdered erythritol have three things in common. They are pure, are of the highest quality, and taste just like sugar.

Here are our picks of the 7 best powdered erythritol to help you choose a healthier sugar alternative:

RankProductKey Features
1.NOW Natural Foods Erythritol PowderOrganic, family-owned and operated company
2.Anthony's Confectioner's ErythritolPremium, all-natural, non-GMO
3.So Nourished Powdered ErythritolTastes and looks like confectioner’s sugar
4.Wholesome Yum Besti Powdered ErythritolGreat tasting low-carb keto sugar substitute
5.Hoosier Hill Farm Erythritol Powder100% pure erythritol, US grown corn
6.Zsweet Powdered ErythritolClosest in taste to confectioner’s sugar
7.Swerve Confectioner SweetenerErythritol and oligosaccharide mix

1. NOW Natural Foods Erythritol Powder

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A great organic replacement for sugar, the NOW Foods powdered erythritol is USDA certified organic and manufactured in a family-owned and operated company.

You can use it in your favorite sugar-free recipes to make desserts, drinks, frosting, and icing. It comes in a reasonably-sized bag that will last you a long time, depending on your use.

It has a clean, sweet flavor. However, given that it is only 70% as sweet as sugar, you’ll have to use more of it than regular sugar to get the desired sweetness.

2. Anthony’s Confectioner’s Erythritol

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Anthony’s confectioner’s erythritol is a premium non-GMO, all-natural, high-quality sugar substitute that is 70% as sweet as sugar and has virtually zero calories.

It is verified gluten-free, Sulphur Dioxide free, keto, paleo, and vegan friendly, and is suitable for those who have diabetes.

3. So Nourished Powdered Erythritol

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So Nourished powdered erythritol is a great sugar substitute that tastes, looks, and bakes just like powdered sugar.

Not only is it healthier than sugar but it also has no bitter aftertaste that is often associated with erythritol.

Chances are that in a blind taste test, you may actually mistake it for real sugar!

It is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, tooth-friendly, and suitable for diabetics and individuals on a low-carb diet.

4. Wholesome Yum Besti Powdered Erythritol

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Besti is a great tasting natural sugar replacement that is perfect for anyone wanting to cut down on their sugar intake.

It tastes, bakes, and sprinkles just like real sugar and works wonderfully when making frostings, sauces, and toppings.

It is an excellent confectioner’s sugar alternative that is keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, paleo-friendly, vegan, kosher, non-GMO, and tooth-friendly.

5. Hoosier Hill Farm Erythritol Powder

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Hoosier Hill Farm powdered erythritol is 100% pure erythritol made from US grown corn.

It comes from an American-made facility and is a great substitute for confectioner’s sugar.

It is 70% sweet as table sugar and contains virtually no calories.

It comes in a 1-pound bag and is made from naturally occurring ingredients sourced from plants and starches.

6. Zsweet Powdered Erythritol

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Zsweet is one of the market leaders when it comes to great sugar substitutes.

From powdered sweeteners to granulated crystals, it comes in a variety of forms and is a great alternative to sugar in cooking, baking, and decorating.

Created with zero artificial ingredients, it lets you indulge your sweet tooth without any of the guilt and remorse of having real sugar.

It is perfect for individuals with dietary restrictions since it won’t raise blood sugar levels and is diabetic, keto, Atkins, and paleo-friendly.

7. Swerve Confectioner Sweetener

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Swerve Confectioner Sweetener is a popular sugar substitute made by combining erythritol and oligosaccharides to create the perfect sugar-like taste.

One of its unique features is that it browns just like sugar and easily caramelizes, making it perfect to be used for Crème Brulé.

It dissolves easily in liquids and replaces sugar cup-for-cup and you won’t experience any bitter aftertaste often associated with erythritol.

Additionally, because it is non-glycemic, it is the perfect sweetener for keto-friendly diets and is non-GMO verified, made using only the highest quality ingredients.

Related Questions

Now that we’ve covered everything about powdered erythritol and our top picks of the best ones available in the market, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have.

Is Erythritol Healthy?

Erythritol is a great sugar substitute that tastes just like sugar without leading to spikes in blood sugar levels, making it a safer and healthier alternative for diabetics and individuals on dietary restrictions.

Erythritol also has a lower negative impact on your teeth and specifically reduces cavity development, tooth decay, and plaque.

As with everything, too much erythritol may not be the best idea, leading to health issues and problems. It can cause possible digestive issues if over-consumed or ingested quickly in concentrated form or on an empty stomach.

What Is The Difference Between Erythritol And Stevia?

Erythritol and stevia are two entirely different sugar substitutes. The biggest difference between them is their level of sweetness, with stevia tasting about 200 times sweeter than erythritol. 

The other main difference between them is their caloric value. While erythritol has around 0.24 calories per gram, stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener.

Given this data, both erythritol and stevia are viable sugar alternatives with relatively fewer negative health effects than real sugar.

Is Erythritol The Best Sugar Alternative?

Erythritol is not the only sugar substitute. There are many more out there.

When it comes to the best one, erythritol might not be the clear winner because it may lead to a slight increase in blood sugar levels due to the presence of sugar alcohols.

In comparison, natural sweeteners such as stevia may be better options since they have zero calories and provide higher levels of sweetness than erythritol.

For a natural, healthier, and safe substitute that’s sweeter than erythritol, we recommend monk fruit sweetener.

How Much Erythritol Is Safe To Consume?

Sugar alcohols, such as powdered erythritol, are popular low-calorie sugar substitutes that are well tolerated in low doses.

Although erythritol has fewer side effects than sugar, it can cause intestinal issues like bloating and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.

The FDA hasn’t released an official recommended daily limit for erythritol, but many sources suggest consuming less than 50 grams a day.

What Is A Good Substitute For Erythritol?

If you can’t get your hands on one of the top powdered erythritol brands listed above, you may opt for one of their substitute products such as allulose, xylitol, or monk fruit and stevia sweeteners.

Up Next: Best Monk Fruit Sweeteners

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