Artificial vs Natural Sweeteners

by: Andy O’Brien, Sports Science Expert/BioSteel’s Director of Product Innovation

There are numerous situations in training and competition where athletes are looking for a palatable beverage to support their hydration and energy without added sugar or calories.

When an athlete opts for a sugar-free sports drink, they are met with a wide variety of product choices containing varying forms of sugar-free sweeteners.  Here is a breakdown of the various types:

1. Artificial Sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners are synthetically made compounds that are used in a variety of diet beverages and supplements.  As of late, there have been raising concerns for artificial sweeteners.  Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium, for example, have been linked to health concerns in certain populations, while Sucralose has shown to have negative effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. 

2. Stevia, The Natural Alternative 

Unlike artificial sweeteners, Stevia is naturally derived from the plant species Stevia Rebaudiana, an evergreen shrub originally found in the Forests in Paraguay and Brazil.  It is believed to have been used for 1500 years by natives in that area, to sweeten natural medicines and teas.

The Stevia Rebaudiana plant contains antioxidants, and micronutrients, and its extract form does not increase blood sugar levels or raise insulin - which is why it is considered a "Sugar-Free" alternative. In fact, studies have shown Stevia to elicit a positive impact on insulin sensitivity.

What This Means for You

BioSteel uses plant-based Stevia as its sweetener of choice and has truly mastered the Art and Science of a naturally sweetened beverage with an amazing taste. If you are looking for a sports drink that tastes good, is sugar-free, and over indexes on critical electrolytes, BioSteel has you covered.