Solving the Festive Dilemma: Indulge in Chinese New Year Delights without Worries?

As the Chinese New Year approaches, families come together to celebrate, and feasting becomes an integral part of the festivities. However, concerns about the health risks associated with consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods dampen the joy. To address this dilemma, the food industry has introduced a range of "sugar substitutes" or "sweeteners" with low calories and low glycemic index (GI), garnering widespread attention. But can these "sweeteners" truly alleviate all our concerns? Let's explore.

1. What are "Sweeteners"?

In everyday life, "sweeteners" refer to a category of food additives that provide sweetness to food but have significantly lower energy content than traditional sugars. These substances, known as sweetening agents, are classified under sweeteners in the National Food Safety Standard for Food Additives (GB 2760-2014).

2. Is "Zero Sugar" Truly Sugar-Free?

According to the National Food Safety Standard for Prepackaged Food Nutrition Labeling (GB 28050-2011), the "zero" threshold for sugar is ≤0.5g/100g or g/100ml. When the sugar content per 100mL (or 100g) of a beverage is below 0.5g, it can be labeled as "0g/100g (or 100mL)." Therefore, "zero sugar" doesn't necessarily mean completely devoid of sugar.

3. Do Sweeteners Have Zero Calories?

According to the revised version of the National Food Safety Standard for Prepackaged Food Nutrition Labeling (GB 28050-2011) Q&A, sugar alcohols have an energy coefficient of 0 kJ/g, while other sugar alcohols have an energy coefficient of 10 kJ/g. In simple terms, sweeteners do contain calories, but the amount is relatively low.

4. Are Sweeteners Completely Harmless?

One commonly used sweetener is sorbitol, which is well-liked by consumers due to its pleasant sweet taste and low absorbability. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has set the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for sorbitol as "not specified," indicating a relatively high level of safety. However, recent studies have highlighted potential negative effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort associated with excessive sorbitol consumption.

Aspartame, another widely used sweetener, can be broken down into aspartic acid and methanol in the gastrointestinal tract. Individuals with phenylketonuria need to be cautious as many products containing aspartame are labeled with warnings such as "Aspartame (contains phenylalanine)," and some even advise against its use for phenylketonuria patients.

Steviol glycosides, a natural sweetener, is still under further research to determine its usage precautions. However, it is currently prohibited for sale in regions such as Hong Kong and Macau. The National Food Safety Standard for Food Additives (GB 2760-2014) has established maximum usage limits and permissible food categories for steviol glycosides.

Opting for food products with added sweeteners can indeed help reduce the intake of traditional sugars, thus addressing concerns about excessive sugar consumption. However, given the potential risks associated with various sweeteners, it is essential to control the intake and not consider them as a universally safe solution. While sweeteners offer an alternative for those who wish to enjoy the festivities without compromising on taste, moderation and informed choices remain key to a balanced approach to food consumption.