Meelitusvahendeid

Meelitusvahendeid, commonly translated as "sweeteners" or "sweetening agents," are substances used to impart sweetness to food and drink. They can be broadly categorized into nutritive and non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutritive sweeteners provide calories and are often carbohydrates, such as sugars like sucrose (table sugar), fructose, and glucose. They contribute to the energy content of foods and can affect blood glucose levels. These are naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables.

Non-nutritive sweeteners, also known as artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes, provide little to no calories. They are typically much sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness. Examples include aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia. These are often used in "diet" or "sugar-free" products for individuals managing calorie intake or blood sugar. The use of certain sweeteners is regulated by food safety authorities, and Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels are established to ensure safety. Meelitusvahendeid can be found naturally or be synthetically produced. Their application extends beyond simple sweetening, sometimes contributing to texture, preservation, or browning in food products. The choice of sweetener depends on factors such as desired sweetness intensity, caloric content, processing stability, and regulatory approvals.