Is Allulose a Super Sugar?

By Bob Seebohar, Sports Dietitian, eNRG Performance

Have you heard of allulose yet? I hope so because it is getting some major attention in the media as of late!

Allulose is a sugar that provides sweetness similar to regular sugar but without the same metabolic impact. Could it be a “super sugar”? Let’s find out...

Allulose is a low-calorie sweetener that occurs naturally in small amounts in some foods, such as figs, raisins and jackfruit. Chemically, it’s classified as a monosaccharide (a simple sugar) and is structurally similar to fructose, though with key differences. 

It tastes like table sugar but contains about 90% fewer calories and has little to no effect on blood sugar levels. Say what? I’m thinking metabolic efficiency, aren’t you?

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows allulose to be listed separately from added sugars on nutrition labels. This is a super important distinction is because the body does not metabolize allulose in the same way as glucose or fructose, so it doesn’t contribute to spikes in blood glucose or insulin levels. Let me say that one more time…IT DOESN’T CONTRIBUTE TO SPIKES IN BLOOD SUGAR!

As a result, allulose is considered a “rare sugar” with some unique benefits for weight management and blood sugar control.

Potential Health Benefits of Allulose

1. Low-calorie sweetener - With only about 0.2 calories per gram, allulose is a solid option if you are looking to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing taste. 

2. Blood sugar-friendly - Allulose has a negligible impact on blood glucose and insulin levels, making it an obvious choice if you want to improve your health and metabolic efficiency. Studies have shown that allulose can even improve insulin sensitivity, helping the body use insulin more efficiently.

3. Potential for fat reduction - Preliminary research indicates that allulose may have the potential to reduce visceral fat. While more studies are needed to confirm this benefit, it may add to allulose’s appeal as a weight management tool.

Why UCAN uses Allulose in their Energy Gels

1. Sweetness without the crash - UCAN uses allulose to add sweetness to their Edge Energy Gels without the spikes and crashes common in sugar-based gels. Since allulose doesn’t impact blood sugar or insulin levels, it allows their patented fuel source, LIVSTEADY, to deliver sustained energy without metabolic disruptions. This combination ensures that you get the clean fuel you need to perform at your best, without the typical drawbacks of sweet-tasting gels.

New to UCAN? Get a free sample pack here. Just pay shipping.

Got a sports nutrition question that you want Bob to answer? Submit your question HERE then head over to his YouTube channel every Monday to check out the video answers.