its called water
Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
11–20 of 78 posts
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#12Is there any reason not to just use artificial sweeteners besides unfounded fears in the public? And would all this research money not be better spent on advertising and attempts to influence public perception?
> Is there any reason not to just use artificial sweeteners besides unfounded fears in the public?
Most of them taste awful. The best sugar substitute in terms of taste is probably xylitol, but due to the enormous levels of income inequality in the U.S. most Americans wouldn't be able to afford the extra couple cents a can.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#13This is probably a crazy idea: drink less soda. When it comes to pop, I usually stick to cola - and when it's cola I'll never buy it unless it is made with real cane sugar. Boom, potential side effects of artificial sweeteners are gone, and the drink tastes way better. And just drink more water. Why is this so hard for people?
It could be argued that the harms of real sugar are more well established than the harms of artificial sweeteners.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#14TL;DR: You don't have to use it in the manner in which it is packaged.
Another trick: Cut your soda with water.
I think it's still preferable to avoid soda, but if you like the taste and/or want a bit of a boost, try mixing it 50/50 with water. Or less.
I like Coke Classic this way.
Or, particularly on a hot day, pour over a glass full of ice. Slowly sip away as the ice continues to melt.
I still think this is a slippery slope towards greater consumption, including refilling the glass. But, I can enjoy a bit of cola flavor without taking as much of the sugar hit that is increasingly taxing as I continue to age.
I also agree as to cane sugar if you can as well as no artificial sweeteners.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#15This is probably a crazy idea: drink less soda. When it comes to pop, I usually stick to cola - and when it's cola I'll never buy it unless it is made with real cane sugar. Boom, potential side effects of artificial sweeteners are gone, and the drink tastes way better. And just drink more water. Why is this so hard for people?
You're ignoring all the well-known health hazards of consuming sugar/corn syrup that aren't present in zero-calorie substitutes. Do you even understand why the substitutes exist? Your comment suggests you don't.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#16Why don't they just use xylitol/isomalt or any of the other natural, calorie-free, nice tasting sugars?
Presumably because they're expensive, but if sold in bulk I'm sure they could bring prices down acceptably...
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#17Sweetener shenanigans that have gone on at the FDA: The Miracle Berry Conspiracy http://www.huffingtonpost.com/homaro-cantu/the-miracle-berry...
http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-11-25/news...
We might already have a better sweetener if it weren't for stuff like this.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#18Is there any reason not to just use artificial sweeteners besides unfounded fears in the public? And would all this research money not be better spent on advertising and attempts to influence public perception?
Or even non-artificial, like stevia. We use it as a sweetener and it's pretty good. Or is there some regulatory barrier?
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#19I wonder why there's such an obsession with ZERO calories. Why not a middle ground? Maybe you could achieve a better flavor and attract health conscious people with like 50 calories.
Re: Scientists Are Racing to Build a Better Diet Soda
#20Why don't they just use xylitol/isomalt or any of the other natural, calorie-free, nice tasting sugars? Presumably because they're expensive, but if sold in bulk I'm sure they could bring prices down acceptably...
Because diet = 0 calories.
Xylitol = 66% of calories of normal sugar. It has dental benefits and LESS calories but it doesn't let them put the magic zero on the can.
Similar deal with isomalt.
Both also tend to cause, erm, digestive issues in larger quantities as well.