More and more people are looking for healthy sugar substitutes to live more consciously and prevent diseases like diabetes. However, not every sugar substitute is automatically healthy: Artificial sweeteners, in particular, are increasingly under criticism.

But even natural sweeteners such as agave syrup, syrup, coconut blossom sugar, maple syrup, honey, or xylitol are only a limited alternative to household sugar due to their high calorie content. We show why stevia (also Sweetleaf) is a better choice than sweetener for sweetening food, and how Höllinger with his new product line 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE sets new standards in sweet nutrition without any sugar.

What are artificial sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are industrially produced substances that imitate sugar in taste but, despite their sweetness, contain no or hardly any calories. Examples include aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. They are often used in "light" products, diet sodas, and sugar-free candies.

At first glance, their use as a supposedly healthy sugar substitute seems sensible: they sweeten without providing calories. But: Studies show that artificial sweeteners can have negative effects on the gut flora, metabolism, and satiety. This means they have a less satisfying effect and may even promote cravings. A true paradox for a diet product!

What artificial sweeteners are there?

In addition to natural sugar substitutes (agave syrup, syrup, coconut blossom sugar, maple syrup, honey, or xylitol), there are also artificial ones. Some of the most well-known artificial sweeteners are:

• aspartame
• saccharin
• cyclamate
• Acesulfame-K
• sucralose

Although these substances are approved in the EU, they are under critical scrutiny. Health-conscious individuals, in particular, rightly ask themselves: Which sweetener is safe? When this question remains unanswered, many turn to alternatives such as maple syrup, agave syrup, syrup, xylitol, or coconut blossom sugar as substitutes for table sugar. While these have a high sweetening power, they also have a high energy density: While honey, for example, actually contains fewer calories than table sugar, it still contains over 10 calories per teaspoon (around 30 grams).

Artificial sweeteners: No substitute for sugar

Although they provide hardly any calories compared to table sugar, artificial sweeteners are not a viable alternative from a health perspective. They can confuse the body: The expected energy intake is not delivered, which in turn can lead to a disturbed appetite and cravings. There is also evidence that they can negatively affect glucose metabolism – a particular risk for diabetics. Therefore, sweeteners are not a suitable sugar substitute for diabetics.

Sweet leaf vs. artificial sweeteners: What's the difference?

Stevia, more precisely the sweet leaf of the Stevia plant, is a natural sweetener derived from the South American plant Stevia rebaudiana Unlike artificial sweeteners, sweet leaf is a plant product with a centuries-old tradition of use.

The key similarities and differences:

Why is sweet leaf the better choice?

The sweetener sweet leaf is considered:

• natural
• calorie-free
• zahnfreundlich
• suitable for diabetic diet

• free from the side effects of synthetic substances

Stevia is also up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. A pinch (about 0,3 g) of stevioside powder has the same sweetness as 100 grams of sugar. This means that even the smallest amount is enough for a pleasant taste experience.

Höllinger relies on the sweet leaf – and goes one step further

As an Austrian beverage company, we at Höllinger use exclusively a plant-based infusion of stevia leaves in our new organic product line 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE, completely avoiding artificial sweeteners – and all while maintaining full flavor!

Zero sugar. Zero artificial sweeteners. 100% flavor.

These three statements are more than just a slogan – they represent a completely new beverage experience that supports you in your healthy diet:

• Sugar-free, but not artificial
• Suitable for children, adults and diabetics
• Available in three practical containers for all situations

• Varieties: Wild Berry and Peach-Passion Fruit – fruity, light, refreshing

Sugar substitute for diabetics: Finally without compromise

People with diabetes need to be particularly careful about their sugar intake. However, supposedly sugar-free drinks and foods often contain hidden artificial sweetenersHöllinger offers with its new line an honest, transparent and natural alternative for everyone who cares about their health and doesn’t want to miss out on enjoyment.

Conclusion: “Stevia healthy” is more than a trend, it is the future

If you're looking for a healthy sugar substitute, stevia (especially in its natural sweet leaf form) is the best choice. Even better: Höllinger shows that with stevia, it's possible to completely eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners without compromising on taste.

Therefore: When it comes to sweetness, say yes to natural ingredients and no to artificial compromises.

With Höllinger 1-2-3 SUGAR-FREE – for all generations. Are you looking for products that are healthy and contain no excessive amounts of sugar? Now you can find our products with natural sweetness from the stevia plant in our Shop discover!

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