How to cook with Xylitol

So you have heard all about this wonderful sugar replacement called Xylitol that prevents cavities, is low in calories and you can't wait to get your hands on it - but do you actually have any idea how you would use it? We have become so accustomed to sugar that it can be difficult to imagine substituting it for anything else in our cooking, baking and hot drinks. Yet there are alternatives like Xylitol on the market that can be used in a range of foods to make your sweet treats healthier and lower in calories. And although these replacements can sometimes come in different forms, such as liquid drops or powder, once you get the ratios right, using them is very easy. Here are a few tips for cooking with Xylitol. Know the exceptions Xylitol can be used to sweeten nearly everything. It is actually a sugar alcohol, therefore the atomic make-up is slightly different - meaning that in some situations it doesn't work like sugar. You can't use it baking bread or any other food that has yeast because it is antifungal, or for sweetening cold drinks and cooking hard candy. However for all other situations, including making syrups, general baking and sweetening your coffee or tea, Xylitol is perfectly adequate. Get creative Karen Edwards, the author of Sweeten Your Life The Xylitol Way, suggests thinking outside the square and using the sweetener as a brown sugar replacement. Simply mix it with cinnamon, molasses or maple to get that brown sugary taste. For more of Karen's tips, visit her section on our website. Find the right ratio Unlike Stevia, you can use the same amount of Xylitol as you would sugar - but many people find that due to slight differences in taste, they can get away with using a lot less. It could be worth trying to use small amounts and seeing this is sweet enough for you, as this will only decrease the amount of calories you are consuming even further! Give it a go Last but not least, just have a go and start experimenting by adding it to anything you would usually put sugar into. To get some inspiration, check out Karen's amazing Xylitol recipes.