A New Low-Calorie Sweetener That’s Changing the Way We Think About Sugar
I think most would agree that enjoying an occasional sweet treat can be one of life’s greatest joys. But it also carries with it a fair share of drawbacks: an expanding waistline, tooth decay, and concerns about blood sugar balance. This is why a recent discovery by researchers at Tufts University has people excited: a new sugar substitute that sports 60% fewer calories, has a low glycemic index, may support gut health, and doesn’t cause cavities. Sounds too good to be true? Keep reading about their development of an innovative production method that may let you have your cake and eat it too.
A Rare Sugar Breakthrough
Since the 19th century, chemists, researchers, and the food industry have been searching for the holy grail of sweeteners that don’t have the health drawbacks of traditional table sugar — could tagatose be the answer?
Considered a rare sugar found in some dairy, along with apples, pineapples, and oranges in trace amounts, tagatose is generally manufactured, not extracted. The problem is that the process tends to be inefficient and expensive, according to Nik Nair, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering at Tufts.1
But now Nair and his team have developed a way to produce tagatose by using bacteria loaded with specific enzymes to process large amounts of glucose into this rare sugar. The yield could reach up to an impressive 95%, which is significantly more efficient than the previous conventional production, which would only achieve yields between 40% and 77%.2
Tagatose is 92% as sweet as sucrose (table sugar) — and yet has 60% fewer calories. It’s also been designated as “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA, the same classification as vinegar, baking soda, and salt.
What’s more, the sweetener won’t send your blood sugar soaring like table sugar and artificial sweeteners because it’s only partially absorbed in the intestine — a boon for diabetics. Instead, most of it is fermented by gut bacteria in the colon. Clinical studies support these claims — plasma glucose and insulin experienced very little increase after tagatose was ingested.4
“Unlike sucrose, which fuels cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, tagatose appears to reduce the growth of some of those bacteria, and evidence suggests it has probiotic effects to support healthy oral and gut bacteria.”1
For those of you who enjoy cooking and baking, here’s more good news: tagatose provides a similar bulk texture as sugar, unlike a majority of other sugar substitutes. It even browns the same as regular sugar.
Are there any downsides? Researchers point out that tagatose is metabolized in a similar way as fruit sugar, so if you have a fructose intolerance, it’s best to steer clear of the sweetener.3 Another consideration is that it may cause gas and have a laxative effect in those who are sensitive because it’s only partially absorbed in the gut. It will also take a while for it to become widely commercially available as the team continues to optimize the production process.
Blood Sugar Concerns? Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!
In the meantime, if you are struggling to manage your blood sugar and are losing hope, don’t underestimate the power of herbal remedies to get you back on track. Cordyceps, Reishi, and Turkey Tail medicinal mushrooms plus Lemon Balm are excellent options that can be found in my convenient Heart & Blood Sugar Support Bundle.
Emerging research highlights how cordyceps supports healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels by improving insulin sensitivity and mimicking insulin activity through the unique compound cordycepin. Paired with reishi, turkey tail, and lemon balm — botanicals studied for their roles in glucose balance, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress protection — this combination offers multi-layered support for metabolic and cardiovascular health. It’s a powerful example of how time-honored remedies and modern research are coming together to support balanced blood sugar and heart wellness.
Nicole Apelian
FAQ & Action Steps
FAQ: Low-Calorie Sweetener, Tagatose, and Blood Sugar Support
What is tagatose?
Tagatose is a naturally occurring “rare sugar” found in dairy and certain fruits. It’s about 92% as sweet as table sugar, but contains roughly 60% fewer calories.
Does tagatose raise blood sugar?
Tagatose has a low glycemic index and is only partially absorbed in the small intestine. Clinical research shows it causes minimal increases in blood glucose and insulin levels compared to regular sugar, making it a potential option for those managing blood sugar.
Is tagatose safe?
Tagatose has been classified as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, because it’s partially fermented in the gut, some people may experience gas or mild digestive discomfort. Those with fructose intolerance should avoid it.
Why is this new production method important?
Researchers at Tufts University developed a more efficient enzyme-based method that may increase tagatose yield up to 95%, potentially making it more affordable and widely available.
Can herbs support healthy blood sugar levels?
Certain botanicals and medicinal mushrooms — including cordyceps, reishi, turkey tail, and lemon balm — have been studied for their roles in supporting insulin sensitivity, glucose balance, and heart health when combined with healthy lifestyle habits. See Nicole's Apothecary Heart & Blood Sugar Support Bundle for more information.
Action Steps: How to Support Healthy Blood Sugar Naturally
- Swap Smartly. Once available, experiment with low-glycemic sweeteners like tagatose in baking and beverages to reduce overall sugar intake without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Build Balanced Meals. Pair carbohydrates with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to help steady blood sugar and reduce spikes.
- Consider Targeted Botanicals. Incorporate research-backed herbs and medicinal mushrooms as part of a comprehensive blood sugar support plan such as lemon balm, cordyceps, reishi, and turkey tail.
- Stay Consistent with Lifestyle Habits. Regular movement, quality sleep, and stress management are foundational for improving insulin sensitivity and long-term metabolic health.
Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post
Heart, Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Bundle
References
- “Researchers Develop Way to Make Healthier Sugar Substitute” by Mike Silver, Tufts Now, December 11, 2025. https://now.tufts.edu/2025/12/11/researchers-develop-way-make-healthier-sugar-substitute
- Reversal of the Leloir pathway to promote galactose and tagatose synthesis from glucose, Love, Aaron M. et al. Cell Reports Physical Science, Volume 6, Issue 12, 102993. https://www.cell.com/cell-reports-physical-science/fulltext/S2666-3864(25)00592-2
- “Scientists Found a Sugar That’s Sweet, Low-Calorie, And Doesn’t Spike Insulin” by Carly Cassella, Science Alert, January 16, 2026. https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-found-a-sugar-thats-sweet-low-calorie-and-doesnt-spike-insulin
- Guerrero-Wyss, Marion et al. “D-Tagatose Is a Promising Sweetener to Control Glycaemia: A New Functional Food.” BioMed research international vol. 2018 8718053. 9 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/8718053
