to think that sugar is the lesser of two evils when it comes to the sugar/sweetener debate?

[BegoniaBampot]

try not to give my kids too much sugary drinks but usually go for the full sugar ones over diet or no added sugar as I worry more about aspartame etc over some sugar.

really just more curious as to what others think is the lesser of the two evils and what would you choose?

I have recently started to avoid aspartame. I've been surprised how much stuff it is in, I've never been one to read labels really but for example I recently discovered my favourite yoghurt (muller light) has aspartame in. Don't buy them anymore now.

It's not something I feel really strongly about - the DCs have the occasional fruit shoot if out etc - but I am making a conscious effort not to buy stuff with it in. I am actually finding that I dislike that kind of sweetness now - possibly it's just because I am more aware of it.

So is sugar classed as the 'natural' product here? Have you seen how many processes the cane/beet go through to produce it? It's massively processed, that's why it's such a baddy - it's just another 'sweetener', but been around a long time so is more acceptable. If it were brought out as a new foodstuff in all it's teeth corroding, obesity inducing magic, we'd all be horrified!

You just beat me to it newfavouritething - grapes go through less processing to make wine than sugar beets do to make sugar.

Yabu, aspartame is much better than sugar in the example you use. But my solution is no sweet drinks for children, apart from the odd watered down juice.

Butter on the other hand is fine in moderation.

Not that I am suggesting juice is healthy, because it is not.

I've recently had to give up processed sugar - there are some great alternatives, and it's amazing how having to buy a more expensive alternative helps you cut down! Date syrup, maple syrup, coconut palm sugar etc, all less processed. Just in case anyone was looking for alternatives.

YANBU.

Sainsburys products/drinks do NOT contain any aspartame. I buy my drinks from there. DD is allergic to aspartame (and yes, has been under the care of a consultant). She gets severe stomach cramps and then D&V. According to her blood results, this is an allergic reaction.

I prefer to give dcs sugar rather than sweeteners but now that dd2 is diabetic I have to get sugar free medicines and some foods containing sweeteners rather than sugar.

I do worry about it but try to limit it as much as I can.The other dcs still have sugary calpol etc. I havnt read too much about aspartame etc as don't want to scare myself!