Allulose vs Erythritol
What’s the Difference (and Which One Should You Use?)
You may have noticed a new product on our shelves…
Pure as Allulose has officially joined the BHK family, and let’s just say, it’s been getting a lot of attention.
We’ve had so many questions come through already, but one keeps popping up:
“What’s the difference between allulose and our Zero (Erythritol)?”
And it’s a good question, because while they’re both brilliant sugar alternatives, they behave very differently once you start using them.
So if you’ve been wondering which one to use, when to use it, or whether you actually need both… you’re in the right place.
Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (and helps you get better results in the kitchen).
First Things First: What Are They?
Allulose
Allulose is a “rare sugar”. It naturally occurs in small amounts in foods like figs and raisins, but what makes it special is this:
👉 Your body does not absorb it… so you get all of the sweetness without the sugar spike
That means:
Almost no calories
No blood sugar or insulin high
And it behaves very similarly to real sugar in cooking
Erythritol
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (don’t worry, you can’t get drunk off it).
It’s found naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, and it’s been used in the low-carb world for years because:
👉 It passes through your body mostly unchanged.
That means:
Zero calories
Zero impact on blood sugar
And a very stable, predictable 100% natural sweetener
→ Buy Zero As Sugar Pure Erythritol
Why does Allulose cost more?
Let’s address the elephant in the room… because we know you’re thinking it.
This is a great question, and there are a couple of very real reasons behind it.
Allulose
Is more complex and time-intensive to produce
Goes through an enzymatic conversion process, which requires more resources and precision
Is still relatively new to the market, so it’s not produced at the same scale yet
Includes GST in Australia, which also impacts the final price
Erythritol (Zero)
Is easier and more efficient to produce through fermentation
Has been around for much longer, so production is more scaled and cost-effective
Is GST-free in Australia, which helps keep the price lower
👉 So while Allulose might feel like more of an investment upfront, you’re paying for a product that behaves much closer to sugar in cooking and baking.
The Taste Test (Because This Matters)
Let’s be honest… if it doesn’t taste good, we’re not using it.
Allulose
About 70% as sweet as sugar
Smooth, clean taste
No weird aftertaste
No cooling effect
Erythritol
Around 60–70% as sweet
Slight “cooling” sensation (think minty vibe)
Can feel a bit thin or sharp on its own
👉 If you’re chasing that “this tastes like actual sugar” moment, allulose usually wins.
Baking & Cooking: This Is Where Things Get Interesting
This is the part most people don’t realise… and it’s everything.
Allulose
Browns and caramelises like sugar
Gives you soft, chewy textures
Does not crystallise when used in sauces and jams
Works beautifully in sauces, syrups, and desserts
Erythritol
Does not caramelise
Can make things slightly dry or crunchy
Works better in combination with other ingredients
👉 Translation: If you’ve ever made a “healthy” dessert that turned out dry or weird… erythritol may have been the culprit.
Sugar Swap Ratios (Save This 👇)
Because guessing is not the vibe.
If a recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar:
Allulose
Use 1⅓ cups allulose
(It’s less sweet, so you need a little more)
Erythritol
Use 1 cup of erythritol
(But expect a slightly different texture)
Pro Tip (This is where the magic happens)
For best results, especially in baking:
👉 Use a blend
50% erythritol
50% allulose
You’ll get:
- Better texture
- More balanced sweetness
- Less cooling effect
- A much closer “real sugar” result
What About Health Benefits?
Let’s keep this real and grounded.
Both Allulose & Erythritol:
Have little to no impact on blood sugar
Are suitable for low-carb and diabetic-friendly lifestyles
Help reduce overall sugar intake (which is a big win)
Allulose (Extra Perks)
Very low in calories (~0.4 calories per gram)
May help support appetite regulation
Works well for those transitioning off sugar because it feels familiar
Erythritol (Extra Perks)
Completely calorie-free
One of the best-tolerated sugar alcohols
Doesn’t spike insulin or glucose
What About Gut Health?
This is where we stay honest (always 👇)
Neither allulose nor erythritol is a prebiotic fibre
They don’t actively feed your gut bacteria
However:
They can help reduce sugar intake, which supports overall gut balance
They’re generally well-tolerated in moderate amounts
👉 If gut health is your main focus, pairing them with something like fibre (hello inulin or fibre syrup and Boost Protocol 👀) is where the real magic happens.
So… Which One Should You Use?
Here’s the simple answer:
Use allulose when you want:
- Soft, gooey, bakery-style results
- Caramelisation
- A true sugar-like experience
Use erythritol when you want:
- A simple, zero-calorie sweetener
- Every day use in drinks or quick recipes
- Something cost-effective and reliable
At the end of the day, this isn’t about choosing the “perfect” sweetener.
It’s about finding what works for you, your body, and your kitchen.
Whether you’re someone who loves the simplicity of Zero, or you’re excited to start experimenting with Allulose (trust me, it’s a bit of a game-changer in baking 😉), you’ve got options that actually support your goals.
And that’s what we’re all about here.
Simple swaps. Better results. And food that still feels like something you want to eat.
So if you’ve been curious about Allulose, consider this your little nudge to start playing with it. Try it, mix it, see what works for you.
Because once you find your rhythm with these ingredients…
Everything just gets easier from there.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we aim to provide helpful guidance on gut health, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet, exercise routine, or healthcare plan. Each person’s health needs are unique, and your doctor can provide personalised advice based on your circumstances.