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An Alternative to Sugar for Children

Excessive amounts of sugar can cause numerous health problems in children including issues with weight, cavities and tooth decay. Some parents worry about serving sugar substitutes to children due to fears regarding cancer and other serious health issues. However, a variety of alternatives to sugar can give kids sweet choices without health concerns.

  1. Sugar Substitutes

    • When purchasing prepackaged foods and beverages such as cookies and soda for children, parents looking to avoid sugar will likely choose sugar substitutes such as aspartame, saccharin and. The National Cancer Institute indicates that no proven link exists between the use of such sweeteners and cancer. That does not mean children should ingest large amounts, however. Parents should follow FDA-established limits according the child's body weight. Even though these sweeteners do not contain calories, they should be consumed in moderation.

    Sugar Alcohols

    • Sugar-free candies more likely contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol and maltitol. They are not typically purchased in bags or packets like sugar substitutes and are not calorie-free although they have fewer calories than sugar. According to the American Diabetes Association, sugar alcohols may affect blood sugar levels differently from regular sugar -- another reason they can make a viable alternative to sugar. However, side effects include gas, bloating, diarrhea and loose bowel movements. Chances of side effects increase when sugar substitutes are consumed in larger quantities., particularly in children, so children's intake of sugar alcohols should be limited, as well.

    Fruits

    • Fresh fruits make good alternatives to sugary snacks when children crave something sweet. The USDA recommends one cup daily for children two to three years old, one and a half cups for children four to 14 and girls up to 18, and two cups for boys between 15 and 18. While fruits do contain calories, they also provide important nutrients for growing bodies such as vitamin C. Canned fruits may be packed in sugar syrups, so parents should read labels carefully.

    Flavors

    • Spices liven up foods without adding calories or leading to dental issues. Nutmeg and cinnamon create a natural sweet tang and can be sprinkled on breads, cereals, milk products and drinks such as tea, for instance. Adding a small amount of unsweetened cocoa to milk, puddings, cereals, muffins and pancakes gives children a chocolate taste without all the sweet. A few drops of vanilla flavoring or other extracts such as root beer, maple or peppermint may satisfy a sweet craving. Some companies market fruity extracts, as well, such as cherry, strawberry, orange, banana and coconut.

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