Healthcare FAQs

Finding the right answers to your patients' questions is critical to giving them the care they need. You'll find answers and information below that help you field your patients' most frequent questions.

Equal Original Product Information

• What is Equal Original?
  
• How long does Equal Original stay fresh?
  
• In what forms is Equal Original available?
  

Using Equal in Recipes

• Can Equal be used in recipes?
  
• Can Equal be used at high temperatures?
  

Equal Original  Product Information

What is Equal Original?

Equal Original is a zero calorie sweetener that contains aspartame and acesulfame potassium as it’s sweetening ingredients.

Aspartame is a dipeptide composed of two amino acids – aspartic acid and the methyl ester of phenylalanine. The components of aspartame are similar to those found in everyday foods such as meat, milk, fruits and vegetables. Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than sugar.

Acesulfame potassium (AceK) is a zero calorie sweetener that is not metabolized by the body and is excreted essentially unchanged. AceK is also 200 times sweeter than sugar. Blends of AceK with other sweeteners are characterized by a clean, sugar-like sweetness, which is superior to the taste of the individual sweeteners. Acesulfame potassium is made from a process that involves the transformation of an organic intermediate, acetoacidic acid, and its combination with the naturally occurring mineral, potassium, for form a highly stable, crystalline sweetener.

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How long does Equal Original stay fresh?

While Equal Original has an indefinite shelf life if stored away from heat and humidity, a best buy date has been added to the packaging. Equal Original should be stored as you would sugar.

 

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In what forms is Equal Original available?

Equal Original Packets—Pre-measured for convenience; great for beverages and cereal.
Equal Spoonful—Measures cup-for-cup like sugar; perfect for recipes.
Equal Classic Tablets—For on-the-go convenience.
Equal's entire family of products can help your patients keep enjoying the good things in life without all the calories and carbohydrates of sugar.

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Using Equal in Recipes

Can Equal be used in recipes?

Equal can be used in a variety of recipes. For best results, use specially designed Equal recipes or add Equal after removing dishes from heat.
Equal recipes are lower in calories and carbohydrates than tradition versions, and include nutritional information and food exchanges to aid in meal planning. 

Sugar substitutes cannot provide the bulk, tenderness, and browning properties of sugar.
Our Recipe Fact Sheet includes hints and tips for using Equal in recipes.

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Can Equal be used at high temperatures?

Yes. Equal recipes use a variety of cooking times and temperatures. The Equal Apple Pie, for instance, bakes at 400°F for 40 to 50 minutes.

Yes.  Exposing foods containing aspartame to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time does not cause any unsafe chemical changes.  The aspartame is simply no longer sweet.

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