Date syrup is becoming a popular alternative in the UK. It's a versatile natural ingredient that's full of nutrients, making it great for our alternative energy gel pouches, but how does it compare?
Date Syrup vs Sugar vs Maple Syrup
Isn't date syrup just another sugar? Not quite. Here’s why:
How is it made?
- Table Sugar (Sucrose): Extracted from sugar beets or sugarcane through extensive refining processes, table sugar ends up as pure sucrose, stripped of its natural nutrients. Leaving it a high glycaemic index (GI) a spike in blood sugar levels, linked to weight gain and obesity.
- Maple Syrup: Made from the sap of maple trees which is usually harvested in the springtime. It is boiled to evaporate the water and concentrate the natural sugars in the sap. It has a higher GI than date syrup but lower than table sugar.
- Date Syrup: Date syrup retains much of the fruit's original water content, blending dates with water rather than evaporating it away. This method keeps the calorie content similar to whole dates while preserving nutrients. It is one of the lowest GI sweeteners. Make it more of a safer option to diabetics and those trying to control blood sugar levels.
But nutritional, is it not just sugar?
- Table Sugar: Provides only calories, with no additional nutritional value. Which is highly addictive.
- Maple Syrup: Although healthier than table sugar, it is still high in calories and sugar, with minimal nutritional value.
- Date Syrup: Contains vitamins, minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron, and antioxidants, offering more than just sweetness. It is free from, trans-fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
Glucose vs Fructose vs Sucrose
- Table Sugar: Is all sucrose which lead to massive blood sugar spikes.
- Maple Syrup: Is roughly 50-75% sucrose, 10% glucose and 4% fructose.
- Date syrup: Contains equal parts glucose and fructose making it good as an energy source during sports, a more sustained release of energy, which is also friendly on the tummy.
Date syrup stands out as a less processed, nutrient-friendly option which is why we have used it in our energy pouches.
So, if you haven't tried them yet give us a go!
References.