Walden Farms syrups are a popular sugar-free and calorie-free syrup option. The most common question about Walden Farms syrups is what they are sweetened with since they contain 0 grams of sugar. Walden Farms uses artificial sweeteners to sweeten their syrups instead of sugar or other caloric sweeteners.
The Main Sweeteners in Walden Farms Syrups
Walden Farms primarily uses two artificial sweeteners to sweeten their syrups: sucralose and acesulfame potassium (ace-k). These are both FDA approved artificial sweeteners that provide sweetness without calories or carbohydrates.
Sucralose, also known as Splenda, is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners. It’s made from sugar but has been chemically modified to take out calories. Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and can be used in cooking and baking.
Ace-K is another high intensity artificial sweetener that is often combined with sucralose in products. Ace-K is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It helps enhance the sweetness of sucralose and masks any bitter aftertaste.
By using a blend of sucralose and ace-K, Walden Farms can make syrups that taste sweet to consumers without containing any sugar or calories. This allows people to enjoy the flavors without worrying about effects on blood sugar or weight gain.
A Look at the Nutrition Facts
Looking at the nutrition facts label of Walden Farms syrups confirms that sucralose and ace-K are the main sweeteners used. A typical label for their syrups states there are 0 grams of sugar, 0 calories, and 0 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The ingredients list then shows that the products are sweetened using sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
For example, the nutrition facts for Walden Farms Pancake Syrup list the following:
| Serving size | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total carbs | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
The ingredients list shows: Water, Glycerin, Sucralose, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Acesulfame Potassium.
As you can see, sucralose and ace-K are listed as the sweeteners used in this syrup. This combination allows Walden Farms to create syrups, pancake syrups, chocolate syrups, and more without adding calories, carbs, or blood sugar impact.
Why Walden Farms Uses Artificial Sweeteners
Walden Farms focuses on making calorie-free versions of popular grocery products like syrups, jams, and condiments. To achieve this, they replace all sugars and carbohydrate sources with artificial sweeteners and thickeners.
Here are some reasons why Walden Farms chooses to use artificial sweeteners in their syrups rather than sugar or other natural sweeteners:
- Allows a zero calorie product – using no sugar is the only way to remove calories and carbohydrates entirely
- Provides sweet taste consumers expect from syrups
- Avoid spikes in blood sugar that would occur with sugar
- Prevents weight gain that could happen if consuming high-calorie syrups
- Appeals to low-carb dieters (keto, Paleo, etc)
- Sweetens affordably and efficiently in mass production
- Long shelf life since artificial sweeteners don’t ferment or crystallize
Walden Farms has built their brand on offering sweet flavors without calories or carbs. Using artificial sweeteners like sucralose and ace-K allows them to deliver the taste and texture of syrup that consumers love in a zero calorie formula suitable for diets like keto and Paleo.
Potential Controversies Around Artificial Sweeteners
While artificial sweeteners allow Walden Farms syrups to be sugar-free and zero calories, there are some controversies and debates around artificial sweeteners like sucralose and ace-K.
Here are some of the main arguments and concerns around using artificial sweeteners:
- Naturalness – some argue that artificial sweeteners like sucralose are overly processed and not natural.
- Safety concerns – conflicting studies on whether large doses of sweeteners are safe in the long term.
- Metabolic effects – questions around if they disrupt healthy metabolism or microbiome.
- Addiction – concerns that dependence on overly sweet flavors changes taste preferences.
- Lack of nutrients – unlike syrups sweetened with dates or fruit, Walden’s syrups don’t provide vitamins.
However, major health organizations like the FDA, WHO, and American Heart Association have evaluated the evidence and deemed current approved sweeteners like sucralose and ace-K to be safe. Still, some consumers prefer to avoid them and seek natural sweeteners.
How Walden Farms Responds to Sweetener Concerns
Walden Farms has faced some criticism and controversy over their use of artificial sweeteners over the years. Here is how they respond to concerns:
- Comply fully with FDA regulations and independent safety assessments.
- Clearly label products as containing artificial sweeteners.
- Emphasize value for people monitoring carbs, calories, or blood sugar.
- Point out their sweeteners are approved in over 100 countries.
- Highlight importance of enjoying treats in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
- Develop some products sweetened with stevia in response to consumer demand.
The company stands behind the safety of sucralose and ace-K. Their position is that Walden Farms products can be enjoyed by most people as an occasional treat within an balanced diet and active lifestyle. However, they recommend consulting your doctor if you have specific health conditions or concerns.
Comparison to Other Low-Calorie Syrup Brands
Walden Farms is not the only brand that makes low-calorie or sugar-free syrups. Here is how Walden Farms syrups compare to some other popular brands of diet syrups:
| Walden Farms | Maple Grove Farms | Mrs Butterworth’s | Log Cabin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | 30 | 60 | 35 |
| Sugars | 0g | 2g | 11g | 5g |
| Sweetener | Sucralose, ace-K | Sucralose | Sugar | Sugar, sucralose |
| Natural | No | Yes | Yes | No |
As you can see, Walden Farms is the only mainstream syrup brand that contains 0 calories and 0 grams of sugar per serving. Brands like Maple Grove Farms and Log Cabin reduce calories and sugar compared to traditional syrups but still contain some natural sugars. Walden Farms uses artificial sweeteners rather than sugar alcohol to achieve the 0 sugar claim.
Walden Farms Pancake Syrup Flavor Review
Now that we’ve covered the sweeteners used, how does Walden Farms syrup actually taste? Here is a quick flavor review of their popular Pancake Syrup:
Appearance: Pours and looks like standard golden syrup. Nice thick, viscous texture.
Aroma: Pleasant sweet maple aroma when you first open the bottle.
Flavor: Surprisingly rich maple flavor for a zero calorie syrup. Hints of brown sugar and caramel. The sweetness level tastes comparable to real maple syrup.
Aftertaste: There is a slight artificial aftertaste, but not too pronounced. Avoiding freezing or overheating minimizes the aftertaste.
Overall: A tasty sugar-free pancake syrup option. The flavors complement pancakes, waffles, and French toast well. Sweetness satisfies a syrup craving without spiking blood sugar.
Using Walden Farms Syrups in Recipes
Due to their thick consistency and ability to deliver sweetness, Walden Farms syrups can be used in a variety of recipes as a lower calorie substitute:
- Pancakes and waffles – replace higher calorie syrups with Walden Farms syrups
- Oatmeal – drizzle syrups over oats, chia pudding, or yogurt
- Smoothies – add syrup to protein shakes, fruit smoothies, milkshakes
- Dessert toppings – use as a sweet topping for cakes, ice cream, brownies
- Salad dressings – blend with vinegar and oil for sweet vinaigrettes
- Meat glazes – brush onto chicken, pork, salmon when baking to add flavor
The possibilities are endless when using Walden Farms syrups for cooking, baking, and mixology. Their versatility makes them useful for anyone monitoring daily sugar intake or following a low-carb nutrition plan.
Are There Any Downsides to Walden Farms Syrups?
While Walden Farms syrups can be a useful pantry item, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Aftertaste – the sucralose and ace-K can cause an unpleasant aftertaste for some people.
- Not organic – made with artificial ingredients and preservatives.
- Gastrointestinal issues – some report bloating or diarrhea if consuming large amounts.
- Scarce nutrients – unlike real maple syrup, these provide no minerals like zinc and manganese.
- Environmental impact – sucralose has been found in waterways and its ecological impact is debated.
As with anything, moderation and variety in your diet is key. Using Walden Farms syrups occasionally as a treat or in recipes is likely fine for most people. But relying on them daily or heavily may be less ideal long-term.
Conclusion
Walden Farms syrups offer a tasty way to enjoy the flavors and textures of syrups without any sugar, carbs, or calories. They accomplish this by using artificial sweeteners like sucralose and ace-K rather than sugar. While artificial sweeteners are controversial for some, major health authorities have deemed them safe in moderation. Walden Farms syrups can be a useful dietary tool but should be enjoyed in balance as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
