The Inside Scoop

America's Most Fattening 'Diet' Drinks

2010-10-14T11:30:00.000-07:00

Read Yahoo's latest article on America's Most Fattening 'Diet' Drinks & their picks for healthy, low calorie alternatives. You can make delicious zero calorie beverages by adding ZSweet® to your favorite hot or iced tea or coffee. My favorite is iced peppermint tea with ZSweet®.

photo credit: Yahoo

ZSweet®, perfect for pilates & ripped bodies

2010-09-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Fitness Nutritionist, Personal Trainer & Pilates Instructor, Jodie A. Fontenot recently reviewed ZSweet® on her website jodiepilates.com. She commented on the fact that ZSweet® does not have an aftertaste or cause bloating like other sweeteners & that when she baked with it "you really would not know a sugar substitute was used" her "banana bread and muffins were quite delicious."

If you live in the Houston, TX area & would like to contact Jodie about personal training, pilates or nutrition visit her website for her services & rates. You can also sign up for her newsletter to receive tips & recipes.

Adventures with Tea & ZSweet®...

2010-08-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Alan & Marlys Arnold are tea connoisseurs who invite you to join their Tea Explorers Club & host Tea Tasting Adventures for your friends & family. The Arnolds have crafted a variety of delicious flavors like: Crème de la Crème Brûlée, Vanilla Spice Chai, Chocolate Mint Bliss, Grandma's Pumpkin Pie & many, many more!

In addition to traditionally sipping tea, they encourage & educate you on using tea in cooking as well. They also recommend using all natural ZSweet® to sweeten your tea beverages & tea infused foods. Visit their site to shop & view recipes here.

Must See! Sugar: The Bitter Truth

2010-08-03T10:24:00.000-07:00

This one and a half hour video is well worth your time. "Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin."

Lustig thoroughly illuminates the scientific reasons why all sugar & specifically fructose; which is the most insidious ingredient bombarding our diet & our bodies at every meal; are poisons & should be avoided at all costs to prevent obesity & disease.

Lip smacking treats for diabetics that ensure insulin spikes

2010-08-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I came across an article today by an author who says he is a dietician specializing in diabetic diets. But under natural sweeteners he recommends agave nectar, honey, barley malt syrup, maple syrup, & sugar cane juice right along side stevia. No, no, no, no, no.

Stevia, like ZSweet® (erythritol), is an all natural zero calorie, zero glycemic sweetener. Caloric sweeteners & sugar substitutes with a glycemic impact should not be grouped with Stevia or ZSweet® as if we're comparing apples to apples. It misleads the consumer into thinking they're all the same & can be consumed without monitoring calories or GI. Those other sweeteners may be all natural, but they are not the safest option for people with diabetes & responsible authors should publish nutrition values for their readers, especially diabetic readers, when making recommendations.

Agave Nectar - 60 calories / 15 glycemic index
Barley Malt Syrup - 60 calories / 42 glycemic index
Honey - 64 calories / 30 glycemic index
Maple Syrup - 52 calories / 54 glycemic index
Sugar Cane Juice - 25 calories / 43 glycemic index
Stevia - 0 calories / 0 glycemic index
ZSweet® (erythritol) - 0.2 calories / 0 glycemic index
(see links to for average serving sizes)

ABC News: Robert H. Lustig discusses the dangers of fructose

2010-07-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

ZSweet® Rebate

2010-07-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Want to save when you shop for ZSweet®? Click on the mail-in rebate form to enlarge it to print size, then follow the instructions & get money back on ZSweet®!

*for retail purchases only, not applicable to online purchases.

Christine Avanti's ZSweet® Blueberry Muffins

2010-07-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

In her recent article, 'New Sugar Alternative Backed by Respected MDs' "Top Los Angeles Nutritionist & Healthy Chef" Christine Avanti adds endorsement to Dr's Andrew Weil & Nicholas Perricone's recommendation for ZSweet® as a healthy alternative to sugar & artificial sweeteners.

Type in your name & email address & get access to her recipe for healthy sugar-free & dairy-free blueberry muffins made with ZSweet®. They're a remarkably low 97 calories compared to similar store bought blueberry muffins that were 380 calories! Gotta love that.

Learn more about Christine Avanti here.

photo credit: christineavanti.com

Agave, Far Worse Than High Fructose Corn Syrup

2010-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here at Zero Worries Foods, Inc. we have found that the majority of people, even the health conscious, are under the impression that agave nectar is an all natural zero calorie sweetener, it's not. Many are consuming agave in large quantities unaware of the actual calories per serving; 16 calories per teaspoon, the same as table sugar (sucrose).

Besides the calories, agave adds more fructose to an average daily diet that is already bombarded by fructose in juice, soda, bread, cereal & other common foods. That much fructose can overload the liver & turn into fat & have other health implications.

In a recent article by Dr. Joseph Mercola he educates consumers in greater detail about agave (fructose) & highlights "two overall reasons fructose is so damaging:
Your body metabolizes fructose in a much different way than glucose. Fructose is broken down in your liver just like alcohol and produces many of the side effects of chronic alcohol use, right down to the "beer belly".
People are consuming fructose in quantities that are 400-800 percent higher than they were 100 years ago due to its pervasive presence in just about all processed foods."
Read the full article here.

We recommend cutting out caloric sweeteners & beverages & limiting sugar - whether fructose, glucose or sucrose as much as possible. ZSweet® is a natural, truly zero calorie way to do just that. Compare the differences of agave nectar & ZSweet® here.

ZSweet®, Ashley Koff Approved!

2010-07-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

On April 25, 2010 ZSweet® become an Ashley Koff Approved food & is currently being used as her sweetener of choice for craft services on the production of several popular TV series. Learn more about Ashley below.

"Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian (R.D.) who strives to make better nutrition a way of life for all. Koff has the proven ability to demystify the science of nutrition and communicate the importance of a healthy lifestyle to clients in a way that instills loyalty and trust. Never preachy, Koff's clients truly admire her gentle and patient way of finding the correct and effective nutritional program to suit their individual needs. Her passionate style is effective, resulting in Koff being named by Citysearch as LA's "Best Nutritionist" three years running and a national media favorite. Koff appears monthly on Good Morning America Health and as the lead expert for HuffPost Living's 'Total Energy Makeover' with Ashley Koff RD; selected as Hollywood's Dietitian, InStyle magazine featured Koff's work in their coveted December (2009) issue."

ZSweet® Now Available at Vitaminshoppe.com

2010-06-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

"Dedicated to helping people fulfill their health and wellness needs, the Vitamin Shoppe is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of nutritional products ranging from vitamins and minerals to nutritional supplements, herbs, sports nutrition formulas, homeopathic remedies, and health and beauty aids. The Vitamin Shoppe offers over 20,000 items from more than 400 of the most trusted brand names in Health & Wellness, Sports Nutrition, Weight Management, and Personal Care."

ZSweet® is available at over 400 Vitamin Shoppe locations nationwide & is now conveniently available at vitaminshoppe.com.

Thick, Creamy Sugar-free Frozen Yogurt

2010-05-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

by Carolyn Ketchum

Ingredients:
3 cups greek-style yogurt*
3/4 cup granulated ZSweet®
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
OR
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Preparation:
In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, Zsweet® and vanilla or lemon zest, until Zsweet® is dissolved. Chill for at least one hour. Pour into ice-cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's directions.

*If you cannot find greek-style yogurt, strain regular yogurt by placing in a colander lined with paper towels or coffee filters for 6 to 8 hours. It will require 6 cups of regular yogurt to make 3 cups of greek-style.

photo credit: sikegami

Added Sugar Linked to Heart Disease

2010-04-21T14:30:00.000-07:00

A study published in this week's Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that a high fat diet isn't the only cause for potential heart problems. A high sugar diet is also dangerous. Added sugars in packaged foods like ice cream & cereal can contribute risk factors for heart disease by increasing triglycerides & decreasing the good cholesterol HDL. It is important to read nutrition labels and avoid foods & beverages that contain a high sugar content per serving.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

It is also important to note that although honey & agave are natural sweeteners, they still contribute calories to the diet & can have the same effect as sugar in the body. You want to count your calories when using these sugar alternatives. Or you can use ZSweet® which is both all natural & zero calories & not worry about counting anything. ;)

Click to read article: "Higher Consumption of Dietary Added Sugars Associated With Unfavorable Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels".

Savvy's Sugar-free Strawberry Cheesecake

2010-04-19T09:32:00.000-07:00

I spotted this yummy cheesecake made with ZSweet® posted by Molly on 24Savvy.com, an online "community dedicated to providing members with tools for savvier living."

Click here to here for the recipe & share your feedback with us.

"Agave not an ideal sugar substitute"

2010-03-18T13:05:00.000-07:00

Watch video

We've found that many health conscious consumers are under the wrong impression about agave nectar. While it is all natural and lower glycemic than table sugar, it is not zero calories, and being that it is entirely fructose, it is not metabolized by the entire body, but instead is processed only by the liver, which if consumed in excess can lead to health problems.

We felt it was important to share this recent news article & video which illuminates the facts about agave which many people are using as if it were a zero calorie sweetener, when in reality it is closer to honey & needs to be used in moderation.

1 tbsp. agave - 60 calories / 32 Glycemic Index
1 tbsp. sugar - 48 calories / 68 Glycemic Index
1 tbsp. ZSweet® - 0 calories / 0 Glycemic Index

credit: ABC News

"Sweet Sugarless Baking NATURALLY"

2010-03-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

View recipes here.

ZSweet® Cocoa Cream Cheese Mints

2010-03-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

yields 50-60 mints

Ingredients:
1 cup ZSweet®, ground to powder (I do this in the coffee grinder)
2 tablespoons cocoa*
few drops of mint oil (to taste)
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
addtl. 1/4 cup ZSweet®, ground to powder, for rolling mints in

*Note: If you leave out the cocoa, be sure to add a pinch spirulina or 1 teaspoon ground mint leaves for green color

Equipment you will need:
bowl
wire whisk / 2 forks / pastry cutter
wax paper lined baking sheet
flexible molds or a rolling pin
small container (to shake mints in)

Mix 1 cup ground ZSweet® and cocoa together in a medium-sized bowl. Cut in cream cheese with a wire whisk or a couple of forks (or a pastry cutter, if you have one). The resultant mix will be dry and crumbly. At this stage, mix in the mint oil to taste and knead the mixture with your fingers until it starts to clump up into a dough (the heat from your hands helps to further soften the cream cheese).

Once you have one big ball of dough, pinch off pieces to put in your flexible molds and fill them, one at a time, mashing them in well, and scraping off the excess. If you do not have molds, you can also roll out the dough onto wax paper with a rolling pin till about .25" thick and cut into 1" squares with a butter knife.

Take the small container and put the 1/4 cup of powdered ZSweet® into it. Pop out a few mints at a time into the container and shake until well-coated, and tap each coated mint against a flat surface (I use the container lid) to release any extra ZSweet®. Lay each mint onto the wax paper-lined baking sheet in rows. When all the mints are finished, cover with a dry cloth and let sit for 24-48 hours to dry out completely. Put in a sealed container and store in the fridge (if they have not dried out yet, the container will get condensation on the inside of the lid). They will last in the fridge for a couple weeks, or can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Recipe Author: Paula Bishop, North Carolina

March Whole Foods Raw Vegan Cooking Class

2010-03-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

Stop by any of these local Southern California Whole Foods Markets to sample ZSweet® this month & be sure to attend Kelly Keough's Raw Vegan Cooking Class on Wednesday, March 31st at 6 pm. She'll be teaching students how to make Chocolate Hemp Ice Cream Smoothies & Wheat Grass Pineapple Sorbet!

3/1 Mon: 11-2 pm - 2201 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - Demo
3/3 Weds: 4-7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo
3/5 Fri: 11-2 pm 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

3/7 Sun: 2-5 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo
3/8 Mon: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo
3/24 Weds: 11-2 pm - 740 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks -Demo
3/25 Thur: 4-7 pm - 24130 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita - Demo

3/29 Mon: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo

3/30 Tues: 11-2 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

3/31 Weds: 6 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - CLASS

Sugar-free Cookies, Hot Chocolate & Whipped Cream

2010-02-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Inspired Living Expert & TV Host Leah Guy just released a special ZSweet® episode on her official site. In the video Leah & co-host, Jim O'Connor of the Food Network, mix up sugar-free hot chocolate almond milk, with sugar-free whipped cream from scratch on top (I suggest using a mixer instead of whisking it by hand) & a warm batch of "sugar" cookies made with ZSweet® to take to the streets for live reactions from people out & about. The public & the hosts unanimously agreed that they love ZSweet®!

Watch the video here.

Try these yummy ZSweet® recipes at home....
Sugar-free "Sugar" Cookies

2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup ZSweet
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C)

2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ZSweet and salt.

3. Cut in butter and blend with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Stir in
lightly beaten egg, vanilla and cream. Blend well. Chill dough for one hour for easier
rolling.

4. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into shapes. Place on
ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle with ZSweet.

5. Bake for 6 – 8 minutes, or until lightly brown.

(I also sprinkled ZSweet packets on top of cookies after cool!)

Sugar-free & Dairy-free Hot Cocoa with Whipped Cream

Cocoa
1/4 cup ZSweet® granulated
6-10 ZSweet® supersweet packets (add to taste)
32 oz. unsweetened chocolate Almond Breeze® almond milk

Directions: Add ZSweet® to taste & stir. Heat in a pan on stove over a low-medium setting. Pour & serve! Top with sugar-free whipped cream.

Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup ZSweet® granulated
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions
Pour heavy cream in a medium bowl and beat with electric beater until cream becomes stiff. Add ZSweet® and vanilla and continue beating until consistency and taste become whipped cream.

photo credit: leahguy.com

February Gluten-free / Sugar-free with Kelly Keough

2010-02-08T10:49:00.000-08:00

Join Kelly at Whole Foods Markets in Southern California for hands on training in gluten & sugar-free "baking". Taste for yourself the surprisingly delightful results of Kelly's creative & simple alternatives to popular foods we know & love.

2/4, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

2/5, Fri: 11-2 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo
2/8, Mon: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo

2/11, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo
2/12, Fri: 11-2 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - Demo

2/16, Tues: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo

2/18, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

2/23, Tues: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo

2/25, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo

Mmmm.... Cake.

2010-01-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

photo credit: www.theyucadiaries.blogspot.com

How good does this cake look? Foodie-blogger Roxanne Buil adapted a sugar-free, gluten-free red velvet chocolate cake recipe from Healthy Indulgences to exclude the red food coloring, but the result is just as yummy & even healthier.
She used ZSweet® in place of sugar & graciously allowed us to share the fruits of her labors here with you.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, softened
9 large eggs
1 cup ZSweet
1/4 teaspoon stevia extract ( I use the Now brand)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup yogurt
3/4 cup sifted coconut flour
3/4 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out butter and eggs to bring to room temperature. Butter a cake pan and coat with cocoa powder removing the excess powder. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and beat the whites until they form stiff peaks. In a separate bowl, beat the yolks with vanilla extract. Mix the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. In another bowl , cream butter until it turns to a pale yellow color. Add the ZSweet in a steady stream and cream together for 2-3 minutes, or until light, fluffy, and close to the color of cream cheese. Make sure to incorporate well. Add the egg yolks to the butter and cream and beat. Once the yolks are added, add dry and wet ingredients until the mixture is combined well leaving the egg whites until the very end. Fold in the egg whites gently and once the mixture is combined, pour the batter into the cake pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, and test with a toothpick. Remove and invert very gently onto a cooling rack. Once cool, use a cake leveler to cut the loaf evenly in half. Frost with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
2-8 oz packages cream cheese
1/2 cup ZSweet, powdered (using a coffee grinder combine ZSweet with a little arrowroot)
1 tbsp arrowroot powder
1/4 teaspoon stevia extract
1 stick butter
Pinch of salt

Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Beat until smooth and creamy, then add powdered ZSweet and beat until the mixture is combined well. This will take a little while because the ZSweet has to dissolve into the mixture well.

ZSweet® is "rather naughty"

2010-01-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

European customers are loving ZSweet®. I get such a kick out of the charming phrases they use to describe ZSweet®. In a recent article, "Zero calorie sugar launches and claims 100% natural", the writer stated the following: "For all the 2 million people in the UK living with diabetes, sugar has become a scary no-no. But here’s for some great news! Zsweet (Zsweet®) is the first, natural, truly zero calorie, zero glycaemic sugar alternative that tastes, well just like sugar, instantly allowing you to devour some rather naughty puds...."

I had a chuckle and had to look up "puds" to be sure of what was being said, sure enough puds means desserts, like pudding, and yes, it's true, you can still have a lil' naughty dessert when you swap sugar for ZSweet®.

For customers within the European Union shop at www.ZSweet.eu.

ZSweet® & Suzanne Somer's Diet

2010-01-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

I first heard about the Suzanne Somer's diet from a very close friend. She had so much success on the diet that her sister & her Mom got on board & also had amazing results. From what I recall, it was important to avoid sugar & to never mix your sugar with fat. (Please feel free to comment below if I've got that wrong).

Today I was reminded of the diet when I came across a recommendation for ZSweet® by one of Suzanne Somer's community members on her Somersize Support Forum under the section: Food Brands that are Good for Somersizing.

Like ZSweet®, Somersweet® (Suzanne Somer's sweetener) is made with erythritol. However, after tasting it myself I still believe ZSweet® tastes more like sugar. There is also a significant savings when you compare the two brands.

Somersweet® is $19.95 for 2 1 lb. canisters vs. $13.99 for a 1.5 lb. ZSweet® pouch ($2.98 Savings!) & $19.95 for 100 packets vs. $7.49 for 100 ZSweet® packets. ($12.46 Savings!)

I've seen firsthand that Somersizing really works & therefore I personally recommend it for anyone ready to lose weight & look great. I'm also excited that Suzanne Somers has used natural erythritol in her sweetener instead of an artificial alternative, but for those concerned with price or convenience it's good to know ZSweet® is an acceptable & affordable option that can be found in Whole Foods, Vitamin Shoppe & other natural retailers nationwide, as well as online.

Here's to looking as fabulous as Suzanne Somers in 2010!

photo credit: www.suzannesomers.com

"Low Carb Brownies That Taste Like Brownies"

2010-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Looking for a decadent brownie that won't make you feel guilty? Check out this low carb recipe made with ZSweet® that promises a brownie that tastes like the real thing at: www.lowcarbfriends.com.

Nutritional Info: Makes 6 servings. Each serving 108 calories. 5 g carb 3 g fiber. 4 g protein. 9 g fat.

Start Sugar-free in January!

2009-12-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

Interested in learning easy ways to go sugar-free in 2010? Southern California residents can get quick tips from sugar-free / gluten-free chef Kelly Keough in person at Whole Foods Markets all month, see dates & times below. Not able to make it out to her classes? Get Kelly's cookbooks for simple & tasty recipes.

Kelly broke the sugar addiction, you can too!

1/5, Tues: 4-7 pm - 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

1/7, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo

1/12, Tues: 11-2 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - Demo

1/14, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 740 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks - Demo

1/18, Mon: 4-7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo

1/20, Weds: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo

1/21, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

1/22, Fri: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo

1/30, Sat: 11 am - 2201 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - CLASS

1/31, Sun: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo

"It’s a sugar problem – any sugar."

2009-12-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

In 2004 Professor of Nutrition, Dr. Barry Popkin & Dr. George Bray of Baton Rouge's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, published a now well-known study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which hypothesized that there was a direct link between the rise in obesity & the consumption of High Fructose Corn Syrup. Their paper started a frenzy of consumer hysteria over HFCS leading the public to abandon products containing the ingredient & swapping it for what they perceived as the healthier, more natural alternative - sugar.

In a recent interview Dr. Popkin commented on the common misperception that sugar is a safer alternative to HFCS stating, “We showed later that fructose from sugar has the same effect,” Popkin said. “We were wrong in our speculations on high fructose corn syrup about their link to weight... it’s a sugar problem – any sugar."

The bottom line is whether you're consuming HFCS, fructose, sucrose, soda or fruit juice, it's all still converting into sugar & calories in the body & they all come with the same health risks. It is important to reduce, or better yet, avoid all of the above. The good news is ZSweet® tastes like sugar but is naturally zero calories & will not raise your blood sugar or contribute to weight gain like the others, including natural sugar, which is still sugar.

Read the full article, "Fructose in the firing line" here.

photo credit: sugarstacks.com

ZSweet® is @ Vitamin Shoppe!

2009-12-22T11:16:00.000-08:00

Healthy Sugar-free Thoughts & Actions

2009-12-21T10:12:00.000-08:00

Looking for more ZSweet® recipes? Life Coach & Weight Counselor, Janet Ciel has some creative & healthy ideas at her site: healthythoughtshealthyactions.com.

Try her Oatmeal Pancakes, Artichoke & Carmelized Onion Frittata, Apple Turnovers, Pumpkin Muffins & Chocolate Pudding Cake!

photo credit: healthythoughtshealthyactions.com

ZSweet®'s a 10!

2009-12-18T10:52:00.000-08:00

Wellness author & show host Leah Guy recently published rave reviews for ZSweet® at her website ModernSage.com. An admitted recovering sugar addict, Leah professes her renewed joy in sweets made possible by all natural, zero calorie, sugar-free ZSweet®. She tested ZSweet® in tea, over cereal & unsweetened soymilk & baked into a batch of ZSweet® "sugar" cookies.

Leah exclaims, "I feel like I’ve got a life again, one that I missed for so long – one that allows COOKIES in my diet, soft, moist, deliciously sweet cookies. If you have sugar issues or are diabetic, do not let another day go by without trying Zsweet. The existence as you know it will be forever changed, I promise."

She gave ZSweet® a 10+! Read her entire review of ZSweet® here & sign up for her newsletter to receive more detailed reviews & practical advice for staying healthy, looking beautiful & living well! You'll also be entered in for a chance to win a goodie bag of ZSweet®.

photo credit: modernsage.com

Kelly's December Sugar-free / Gluten-free / Vegan Events

2009-11-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Find Kelly Keough at the following Whole Foods Markets this month sampling delicious recipes made with ZSweet® from her cookbook, "The Sweet Truth" .

12/1, Tues: 4-7 pm - 7871 West Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

12/2, Weds: 4-7 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills - Demo

12/3, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 2201 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica - Demo

12/8, Tues: 4-7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena - Demo

12/10, Thurs: 10-1 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

12/11, Fri: 4-7 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo

12/21, Mon: 6 pm - 40 Railroad St, Andover, MA - Class

12/29, Tues: 4-7 pm - 24130 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita - Demo

12/30, Weds: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo

12/31, Thurs: 11-2 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills - Demo

World Diabetic KID'Z Weekend

2009-10-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Fresno family & friends of children with diabetes should head out to the Selland Arena November 7th & 8th for the World Diabetic KID'Z Weekend. This FREE event will feature a Guitar Hero & Rock Band Contest, a live concert, local comedy & music & a Health Fair & Symposium throughout the day. There will be vendors & free samples & coupons for ZSweet®. Come out & celebrate kids with diabetes!

Saturday & Sunday November 7th & 8th

Selland Arena

700 M St
Fresno, CA 93721-271

(281) 447-8833

Vegan / Sugar-Free / Gluten-Free Goji & Pistachio Raw Cacao Recipe

2009-10-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

goji and pistachio raw cacao

by Kelly Keough

1 1/4 cups Artisana coconut crème

3 tablespoons Madhava agave

2 teaspoons chocolate extract

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 cup ZSweet®

3 tablespoons Navitas Naturals cacao

3 tablespoons roasted carob powder

1/4 cup pistachios, shelled

1/4 cup Navitas Naturals Goji berry

2 tablespoons Navitas Naturals cacao nibs

Manitoba Harvest hemp milk for thinning

Melt coconut crème and place in food processor. Add agave, stevia, and ZSweet®. Blend. Add cocoa and carob and blend. Add in Goji, pistachios, and nibs. Pulse until just incorporated. Use extra hemp milk for thinning. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread mixture a 1/4 inch thick. Set in freezer for 15 minutes. Break into pieces.

Unconventional Angels Coupon Book Hits Stores in October

2009-10-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone Can Save Money and Save Lives!

Santa Barbara, CA – October 1, 2009 – This October, shoppers will have a chance to save money on their favorite natural and organic brands while helping to save the lives of malnourished children around the globe. In an unprecedented joint initiative called “Unconventional Angels,” Vitamin Angels in partnership with The Organic Center and the Organic Trade Association, is offering a free coupon book featuring over $40 in savings.By redeeming coupons and saving money, consumers will be helping Vitamin Angels to achieve its goal of reaching over 10 million children this year. One third of all childhooddeaths are caused by malnutrition. For only 25¢, Vitamin Angels can provideenough micronutrients to reduce child mortality by 23%. It’s a simple, effective solution to a major global health problem. Shoppers should look for the Unconventional Angels coupon book in participating stores including Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods Markets, Sprouts, Henry’s and Sunflower Farmers Markets, Vitamin Cottage, Better Health and Fruitful Yield along with hundreds of independent natural and organic retailers (a complete list is available at: http://www.vitaminangels.org/unconventional-angels).

Participating Retailers

“By participating in this cause-related coupon book, smart shoppers can feel good about saving money while helping underprivileged children around the world,” says Howard Schiffer, Founder of Vitamin Angels. “This important program benefits consumers and supports the growth of natural and organic business while also supporting a life-saving effort around the world.” In addition to redeeming a coupon, customers can provide vital support by donating at the register, donating online by going to vitaminangels.org or by sending a check to Vitamin Angels PO Box 4490, Santa Barbara, CA 93140 USA.

Participating Brands

About Vitamin Angels Vitamin Angels is dedicated to reducing child mortality worldwide by advancing availability, access and use of essential micronutrients, especially Vitamin A, to newborns, infants and children under five. In 2009, Vitamin Angels will connect over 10,000,000 children in over 30 countries, including the US, with the vital nutrients they need as a foundation for good health. To learn more about the problem of global malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and Vitamin Angels' solution for change, log on to our website at www.vitaminangels.org.

October Gluten-free / Sugar-free Classes

2009-10-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet chef Kelly Keough is hosting more sugar-free / gluten-free raw cooking classes & demos this month at Whole Foods Markets in Southern California. Stop by for some delicious, innovative & simple recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without tipping your scale.

10/1, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 19340 Rinaldi St, Northridge - Demo

10/6, Tues: 6:30 pm - 239 N Crescent Dr, Beverly Hills

10/13, Tues: 6:30 pm - 7871 W Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles

10/15, Thurs: 6 pm - 21347 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills

10/19, Mon: 4-7 pm - 465 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena - Demo

10/21, Weds: 7 pm - 3751 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena

10/23, Fri: 4-7 pm - 6350 W 3rd St, Los Angeles - Demo

10/26, Mon: 4-7 pm - 331 N Glendale Ave, Glendale - Demo

10/28, Weds: 4-7 pm - 24130 Valencia Blvd, Santa Clarita - Demo

10/29, Thurs: 4-7 pm - 11666 National Blvd, Los Angeles - Demo

Save On ZSweet®, Save Kid's Lives.

2009-09-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

ZSweet® is a proud sponsor of Vitamin Angels, a charity that sends essential nutrients to undernourished children around the world to help reduce mortality rates and help kids lead healthy, productive lives.

Look for The Vitamin Angels coupon book at natural retailers this month. For every coupon you redeem those brands will donate a portion of your purchase to this important cause.

Learn more about Vitamin Angels.

Print, share & redeem our ZSweet® Vitamin Angels coupon.

SUGAR: Seeing Is Believing

2009-09-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

I just came across this eye-opening website, sugarstacks.com. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and nothing could be truer when it comes to how this site illustrates with sugar cubes the amount of sugar we consume in many popular snacks and beverages.

They also use carrots to show how many you'd have to eat to equal the same amount of sugar, and it's unbelievable.

Fortunately, health conscious consumers can use ZSweet® to fill the sugar void without concern for calories and all the other sugar-related health problems.

photo credit: sugarstacks.com

ZSweet® Celebrity Sightings... Did You See Her?

2009-09-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to visit Kelly Keough at Whole Foods in West Hollywood. She was sampling her delicious sugar-free / gluten-free, vegan, raw hemp ball truffles made with ZSweet®... did you see her? More importantly, did you taste the truffles? They are UH-MAZ-ING!!!

Also spotted at Whole Foods that day were actors Kathy Najimy from movies like 'Sister Act' & 'Soap Dish' & Andrea Roth from the FX Show 'Rescue Me'. They both tried ZSweet®... how cool is that? We hope they become big fans!

Kelly has more free demos & cooking classes going on in the L.A. area Whole Foods all month. Click here for dates & store addresses.

photo credits: kathynajimy.com, fxnetworks.com

Mr. Sparkle Moment

2009-09-04T15:33:00.001-07:00

We just had a Mr. Sparkle moment here at ZSweet® Corporate. Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer discovers his face on a box of Japanese laundry detergent and he's completely perplexed as to how it got there? Well, one of our friends just sent us a photo of ZSweet® being sold at a store in Hong Kong. We're thrilled it's there, we just don't know how it happened. D'oh!

Konnichiha to our ZSweet® fans in Japan!

FREE Sugar-free / Gluten-free Whole Foods SoCal Raw-cooking Classes

2009-08-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Cooking Show Host & Recipe Book author Kelly Keough "The Gluten-Free / Sugar-Free Chef" will be teaching free classes at Whole Foods Markets in Southern, CA this month. She will be featuring ZSweet®, handing out free samples & recipes. Don't miss it.
Also, pick up Kelly's new cookbook while you're there!

o Whole Foods – 7871 W SANTA MONICA BLVD, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90046 – DEMO - Sept. 3, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 2201 WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA MONICA, CA 90403 – CLASS - Sept. 5, 12 noon
o Whole Foods – 3715 E FOOTHILL BLVD, PASADENA, CA 91107 – DEMO - Sept. 10, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 239 N CRESCENT DR, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 - DEMO - Sept. 12, 2 pm
o Whole Foods – 331 N GLENDALE AVE, GLENDALE, CA 91206 – DEMO -Sept. 21, 7 pm
o Whole Foods – 11737 SAN VICENTE BLVD, BRENTWOOD, CA 90049 – CLASS - Sept. 23, 7 pm
o Whole Foods – 21347 VENTURA BLVD, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364 – CLASS - Sept. 24, 6 pm
o Whole Foods – 6350 W 3RD ST, FAIRFAX, CA 90036 – CLASS - Sept. 26, 3 pm

o Whole Foods – 19340 RINALDI ST, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91326 (PORTER RANCH) – DEMO - Sept. 28, 4-7 pm
o Whole Foods – 11666 NATIONAL BLVD, WEST LA, CA 90046 – CLASS - Sept. 30, 6:30 pm

visit: www.wholefoodsmarket.com or www.kellykeough.com for more details.

Artificial Sweeteners in the Water?!

2009-07-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

The 'Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry' Journal recently published new research revealing that seven major artificial sweeteners linked to numerous health side effects have been found in treated waste water. The studies were done on sewage water from two treatment plants in Germany and the chemicals: sucralose, acesulfame, saccharin, cyclamate, neotame, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone were not successfully removed from the water that is recycled into tap water.

What does this mean for you and me? Even if we choose not to consume artificial sweeteners they are still present in our tap water, which I know I still use for making pasta, steaming vegetables, baking, making ice, and on a rare occasion, drinking.

How do you feel about being inadvertently exposed to these artificial chemical compounds?

Here at ZSweet® we are very alarmed by these facts. We are still committed to our "Worry-Free" philosophy; providing our communities with foods that are healthy and all natural so there's nothing to worry about. Let's hope the tap water becomes worry-free too.

photo credit: 'Analytical & Bioanalytical Chemistry'

OCRegister.com Slideshow

2009-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

ZSweet® creator Tim Avila popped up on OCRegister.com today. Check out their short, but sweet comments about Tim & ZSweet®.

photo credits: www.ocregister.com

Livin' La Vida Zsweet®!

2009-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cathy from Waterbury, Connecticut for winning the Zsweet® prize from Livin' La Vida Low-Carb's 4 year blogiversary giveaway!

Cathy won a Zsweet® T-shirt, Box of Zsweet® Packets, 8.8 oz. Zsweet® Table Top Canister, 1.5 lb. Zsweet® Pouch & "The Sweet Truth" Sugar-free / Gluten-free e-Cookbook by Kelly
Keough, Veria Channel Cooking Show Host.

Both Kelly Keough of the Sweet Truth & Jimmy Moore of Livin' La Vida Low-Carb are big inspirations to us at Zsweet®. If you haven't read their motivational stories about changing their lives through eating healthy & living well visit their sites now & & let them help you on your own journey to health & beauty.
photo credits:www.kellykeough.com, www.livinlavidalowcarb.com

"How sweet it is" to be on MSNBC.com

2009-04-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Some of you may have caught the Today Show's feature on sugar substitutes yesterday morning. If not, have a look at Nutritionist Joy Bauer's article and clip on their official website... and check out her great comments on ZSweet® in the article.
As a side note, I love agave as a natural sweetener, but I'm confused as to why they put it in the same category with natural zero calorie sweeteners. It's not zero calories, so be careful if that's important to you. The article mentions that, but sometimes in news clips they go so fast they fail to mention that.
photo credits: msnbc.com

What's The Best Sugar Substitute?

2009-04-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

The search is over, the best sugar substitute is Zsweet® all natural sweetener. "Prove it!" you say? Ok, I will.

Every individual has different needs when choosing a sugar substitute: the dieter wants it to be zero calories, with no hidden calories like most so-called "zero calorie sweeteners"; the health nut wants it to be natural, GMO-free, free of artificial ingredients and flavors like MSG and not chemically processed; the diabetic needs it to be zero glycemic impact; people with candida want it to be sugar-free and also without certain fillers that will feed their candida; Moms want an alternative to sugar that won't cause cavities and send their kids into a sugar rush; sugar-free veterans don't want another sweetener that's going to having them rushing to the bathroom after each use or that has a bitter aftertaste; there's also the gluten-free and low-carb eaters, the vegans and those who eat kosher. You can make different suggestions for each of these people as to which sugar substitute will fit their individual needs, or you can recommend the same sweetener for all of these people and cover everyone's needs together all at once by recommending Zsweet®.

Zsweet® is naturally zero calories, zero glycemic index, zero net-carbs, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, GMO-free, MSG-free, will not promote candida growth or tooth decay, will not cause gastric distress and contains no known allergens. It's the all-in-one zero worries sweetener. You can happily serve Zsweet® to any family member or friend, especially those with dietary restrictions, with confidence and peace of mind.

Zsweet® is made using a natural culturing process; fermenting sugar to produce erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol; and then after adding natural non-citrus fruit extracts, Zsweet® crystalizes. The end result is similar to sugar in texture and taste. Unlike artificial sweeteners, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose, Zsweet® is not made in a laboratory and is not a man-made chemical compound that can not be found in nature. All of the ingredients in Zsweet® can be found in fruits and plants.
Why is Zsweet® better than plain old erythritol? A few reasons. First, plain erythritol is only 70% as sweet as sugar, but after adding our trade secret blend of natural fruit extracts, Zsweet® granular is 100% the same as sugar, and supersweet Zsweet® packets are twice as sweet as sugar.

Second, plain erythritol has a minty aftertaste or cooling effect as some describe it. Most people find this aftertaste very unpleasant in coffee and baked goods. Zsweet®'s blend has eliminated that aftertaste to produce a taste that is sweet like sugar with no lingering cooling sensation. This makes Zsweet® a great natural sugar alternative for cooking and baking. We recommend using recipes that are formulated for Zsweet® or erythritol to get the best results.

Third, even though clinical studies have shown that erythritol is the most mild sugar alcohol and thus not required by the FDA to carry a warning label, if consumed in large quantities plain erythritol can cause a laxative effect, especially for those sensitive to sugar alcohols. Zsweet® has been able to reduce the amount of erythritol to 1 gm per serving in our supersweet packets, therefore those with sensitivities can benefit from the high potency of the supersweet blend and keep their sugar alcohol intake to a minimum.

Zsweet® has been recommended by Dr.'s Nicholas Perricone, Andrew Weil and Julian Whitaker as a natural and healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. Zsweet® can be found at Whole Foods Market and other natural retailers nation-wide as well as online at www.Zsweet.com and overseas at www.Zsweet.eu.

Consider all the benefits, try Zsweet® for yourself, and see if you're as convinced as I am, that Zsweet® really is the best sugar substitute out there.

Diabetic Friendly Zsweet®

2009-03-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Zsweet® all natural sweetener is not only zero calories, zero-net carbs, but also zero glycemic impact? That is great news for Type 1 & Type 2 diabetics and also those concerned about pre-diabetes symptoms.As I mentioned in a previous blog post, a lot of "zero calorie" sweeteners sneak in hidden calories; that's because the FDA allows just under 5 calories per serving to be labeled zero calories. For many people with diabetes who rely on sugar substitutes as a staple of their diet, those hidden calories can add up fast! Some have even complained of mysterious blood sugar spikes, perhaps because they didn't count all those calories that weren't listed on their sweetener. Most people are unaware of this fact, so why wouldn't they assume a packet labeled zero calories is truly zero calories?

That is the beautiful thing about Zsweet®; the no worries sweetener; it is truly zero calories! When we say zero on the label, we mean it. Not only is it zero calories, but since it is zero-net carbs, there are no carbs in Zsweet® that are converted into calories, no matter how much you use. So next time you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, go ahead and sprinkle as much as Zsweet® as you want.

If you want to get creative, d-Life.com is a wonderfully comprehensive resource for people with diabetes and you can find many delicious Zsweet® recipes there, as well as a plethora of other sugar-free meal ideas with all the nutrition facts clearly stated. Enjoy!

Click here for recipes:

In The News Again...

2009-03-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

Zsweet® was mentioned among other old & new sweeteners in the March 2009 issue of Parade. The article, "The Scoop on Sugar Substitutes" by Joy Bauer, highlighted some great facts about erythritol, such as it's being calorie free & not a cause of laxative effects like it's sugar alcohol brothers & sisters, xylitol, maltitol & sorbitol. Also mentioned is erythritol's sweetness being only 60-70% of sugar, but what was not mentioned is that Zsweet® has increased the sweetness of erythritol to 100-200% of sugar.
By using a special blend of fruit extracts, Zsweet® is the only erythritol based sweetener that can be purchased at the same sweetness as sugar, in our pouches and tabletop canister; or twice as sweet as sugar, in our supersweet individual packets. Other erythritol sweeteners have added sugar or other caloric fillers to try to increase the sweetness & eliminate the aftertaste of plain erythritol. Zsweet® remains zero calories, zero glycemic impact, zero-net carbs & 100% natural, while tasting the closest to sugar & being absolutely sugar-free.

Attention: UK Chocolate Lovers

2009-03-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Red23, Organic online Health Food store serving the UK population, sent us a sample of their Raw Chocolate Coconut Milk bars with Zsweet®... OMG!

These bars are delicious!!! They aren't like your typical waxy, sugary candy bar, that satisfy a guilty craving and then send you crashing later; nor are they like other tasteless, sugar-free bars that you try to tell yourself taste good so that you'll be happy about picking a healthy candy bar. These Red23 bars are both healthy & delicious! How did they do it? With Zsweet®, of course.

One of the major benefits of a sugar-free chocolate bar made with Zsweet® is that you won't end up with cramps or bloating later. Other sugar-free treats either have a nasty aftertaste from being artificially sweetened, or they send you running to the bathroom because they're made with powerful sugar alcohols like maltitol or xylitol.

If you live in the UK, definitely try these bars. They are absolutely fabulous!

UK & EU customers can shop for Zsweet® at www.Zsweet.eu.

"Blood, Sweat & Sugar" by Kristina Lindgren

2009-03-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hey Orange County Locals, did you happen to pick up the March 2009 issue of Orange Coast Magazine?

Check out page 100 with a feature article about Zsweet® creator, Tim Avila. Kristina Lindgren takes a candid look into Tim's role in the natural sweetener biz, Zsweet®'s struggle as the lil' guy in a sea of brand giants, & Tim's passion & dedication to providing the world with an alternative to sugar that doesn't "taste terrible" as he puts it.

Also, the article features an informative sweetener comparison chart. Visit their site for distribution or subscribe.

Who Likes The Taste of Chocolate & Mint?

2009-02-19T16:32:00.000-08:00

Kelly Keough shares her simple sugar-free mint chocolate pattie recipe.

All the ingredients are natural & healthy, now that's sweet. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS
Candy
1 ½ cups extra virgin coconut oil, melted
¾ cup hem butter
½ cup Zsweet® powdered
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
3 drops Peppermint Liquid Stevia
3 drops Chocolate Liquid Stevia
¼ cup agave
¾ cup roasted carob powder
½ cup raw cacao nibs
½ cup hemp seeds

Filling
½ cup hump butter
¼ cup agave
¼ cup powdered Zsweet®
2 drops Peppermint Liquid Stevia

PREPARATION
Line mini cup cake tins with paper liners. Melt coconut oil by placing jar under hot water or spoon into saucepan and melt over low flame. When coconut oil turns to a liquid, pour oil in medium bowl. Slowly whisk in peanut butter until smooth.
To powder Zsweet®, place in high powered blender and blend on low and increase speed high for 30 seconds. Measure amount needed. Whisk powdered Zsweet® into wet batter. Add in peppermint extract, Liquid Stevias, and agave one at a time and blend.
Slowly stir in carob and cacoa powder a spoonful at a time. Stir in raw cacoa nibs and hemp seeds one at a time. Batter should run off of spoon easily, but not too runny.

To make filling, in a small bowl mix together hemp butter and agave. Add Zsweet® and Liquid Stevia and mix. With two spoons, spoon drop a small teaspoon full of filling into prepared paper liners. Spoon a tablespoon full of prepared batter on top of filling. Freeze for 15 minutes. Store in freezer.
Yield: 50 candies.

For more delicious, guilt-free recipes visit: www.kellykeough.com.

Learning the "Sweet Truth" at Kelly Keough's Sugar-free & Gluten-free Cooking Class

2009-02-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

Did you spot the Zsweet® van last night at Whole Foods in Tustin, CA?

I was there to attend "The Sweet Truth" TV show host & cookbook author, Kelly Keough's sugar-free, gluten-free chocolate cooking class. It was an intimate, hands-on experience. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Zsweet® is one of Kelly's staple ingredients. When I first scanned her table of ingredients, I must say, other than the Zsweet® I was unfamiliar with most of the items and a little intimidated. Green hemp butter, cacoa powder, goji berries... I've seen these foods before, but never knew what to do with them or how they would taste together. Let me tell you, they taste AMAZING together, and her recipes were complete in only 5 minutes!

Kelly has perfected sugar-free, gluten-free cooking. Even though I watched her make her recipes with my own two eyes, once I tasted them I couldn't believe there was absolutely no sugar inside. They were that sweet and delicious.

Once Kelly got started she explained the nutritional value of all the ingredients and let us taste each one. We sampled the hemp butter with agave nectar on top which she recommended as a great peanut butter and jelly taste alternative, and she was right, it tasted just like that. She explained that agave and stevia are great compliments to Zsweet® and that it's necessary to use a blend of alternatives to achieve the most sugar-like taste without the sugar.

As she was preparing the recipes she was friendly and inviting. We all took turns participating, there was lots of Q&A and at the end we all had yummy samples to take home.

Kelly Keough has used her innovation to come up with creative, simple recipes to satisfy sugar cravings without eating sugar. She really makes eating healthy taste scrumptious and appear attainable for everyone. If you're working on breaking your sugar addiction and you need help getting over the hump, or if you're interested in guilt-free desserts, DEFINITELY buy Kelly's cookbook "The Sweet Truth" for all her unbelievably sugar-free recipes.

Southern California residents, check your Whole Foods event calendars for her next class. DISH Network subscribers, watch Kelly Keough's show "The Sweet Truth" on Veria TV.

Zsweet® in Good Housekeeping Magazine

2009-02-11T10:40:00.000-08:00

This is old news, but still good news.

In the July 2008 issue of Good Housekeeping Zsweet® was highlighted as one of the new all natural, erythritol based sweeteners. We appreciate GHK educating it's readers on erythritol since so many people are unfamiliar with it, but so many people are looking for natural alternatives to stay healthy and sugar-free.

Side note: We also love that we were in the issue with Julia Roberts on the cover. She's so beautiful.

Courtesy: www.goodhousekeeping.com

Redbook Magazine Editor's Pick: Zsweet®

2009-02-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Zsweet® was voted as one of REDBOOK Magazine.com's Real-Life Healthy Life Editors' Picks. We're so excited!

Click on the image above and scroll to the bottom to see our mention.

Also, check out all the other healthy suggestions by REDBOOK and sign up for updates.

Zsweet® Swag Shop

2009-02-04T15:32:00.000-08:00

Zsweet® Recipes on dLife.com

2009-02-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Many of our valued Zsweet® customers are children and adults with diabetes. A wonderful resource for those in the diabetic community is dLife. Members of dLife can access expert advice, manage meals, receive exclusive coupons and use the recipe finder for diabetic friendly recipes with all the nutrition facts.

Additionally, dLife.com has added Zsweet® recipes to their recipe finder, and they even have some posted that we don't even have up on Zsweet.com yet. I highly recommend checking it out and becoming a member!

To look up Zsweet® recipes go to dLife.com, then click on the "Diabetic Recipes" icon and type Zsweet into the keyword search bar.

Chocolate Soufflé

2009-02-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

"This decadent, French-inspired dessert is packed with cell-protecting antioxidants and the important nutrient selenium. What it isn’t packed with is sugar, thanks to all-natural ZSweet. With zero calories and a glycemic index of zero, ZSweet replaces sugar - cup for cup - in all of your favorite recipes." - Kelley Herring, Healing Gourmet

Time To Table: 35 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients
4 large organic omega-3 eggs
1/2 cup organic milk
2 Tbsp. organic butter
4 Tbsp. organic cocoa
4 Tbsp. ZSweet erythritol

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 F. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add 2 Tbsp. ZSweet to butter and stir to dissolve. Continue stirring butter and Zsweet and incorporate cocoa. Add milk and turn heat to medium while whisking. Once fully mixed, remove from heat and allow to cool. Separate eggs. In a small bowl, beat egg whites with remaining ZSweet on high speed until soft peaks form. Whisk egg yolks into cooled cocoa mixture (NOTE: if the chocolate mixture is too hot, you will have scrambled eggs, not soufflé). Fold cocoa mixture gently into egg white mixture. Spoon into 4 small (7 oz) ramekins and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool slightly and serve.

Excellent Source of: Selenium
Good Source of: Iron, Protein, Vitamin B12

Nutrition Information
150 calories, 12 grams of fat, 6 g saturated fat, 4 grams monounsaturated fat, 1 gram polyunsaturated fat, 228 mg cholesterol, 125 mg sodium, 6 grams carbohydrate, 3 g sugar, 2 g fiber, 8 g protein

Zsweet® Goes International, Cheers!

2009-01-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

Great news for those in Europe who have been anticipating the arrival of Zsweet®!

Zsweet® is now available online to the 27 countries within the European Union; and for additional shipping charges; to certain bordering countries.

Shop for Zsweet® exclusively at: www.zsweet.eu.

Director of Zsweet® Europe - Cormac Walsh
Photo credit: Get On Fast, Ltd.

Available to:
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Replubic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain Sweden
United Kingdom

Sugar & Dairy Free Chocolate Almond Milk Recipe

2009-01-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

A delicious option for kids & grown ups. Try Vanilla over your cereal or a yummy glass of Chocolate Almond milk.

For those of you who've been drinking unsweetened Almond milk, you'll definitely appreciate the improvement when you add Zsweet®. You know what I'm talking about.

Stir in 1/4 cup granular Zsweet® & 8-10 supersweet Zsweet® packets into a pitcher of 32 ounces of unsweetened almond milk & enjoy!

Zsweet® Buzz

2009-01-15T16:01:00.000-08:00

Zsweet® has been featured in various magazines and newspapers. See what everyone's buzzing about...
courtesy: The Orange County Register, Body Beautiful Magazine, Health Magazine, ODE, 002 Houston

Zsweet® Trail Blazers

2009-01-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

Many people want to know where they can find sugar-free products made with Zsweet®. Fortunately there are specialty chefs, nutritionists, bakeries and natural brands that are pioneering healthy and delicious products and recipes made with Zsweet®. There are also restaurants and cafes that are switching from artificial sweeteners to Zsweet® for health conscious people like you!

Here is a list of Zsweet® brand, nutrition and retail advocates:

Marquis Platinum® Vitality Drink
This posh "Luxury Refreshment" has been enjoyed by celebrities and sports figures alike. Marquis Platinum is more than an energy drink; it's a sugar-free beverage infused with vital nutrients designed to energize & hydrate you naturally... & it's sweetened with Zsweet®.

Red23
For UK customers, try an indulgent sugar-free raw chocolate coconut milk bar. All of it's ingredients are natural, including Zsweet®, and are diabetic-friendly. Watch for more Zsweet® sweetened chocolates from Red23 coming soon.

Zuberfizz®
Looking for a diet soda with no artificial sweetener? Here it is! Shop online for "All natural zero calorie sodas" in Ginger Ale & Raspberry Ginger Ale.

'The Healing Gourmet'
'Wellness Bakeries'
'Early To Rise'
'Total Health Breakthroughs'
Kelley Herring

'The Sweet Truth'
"A Sugar-free / Wheat-free Kitchen"
Beautiful TV Show Host & Cookbook author Kelly Keough shares her secrets of personal transformation through delicious sugar-free recipes. One of her secrets: Zsweet®!

Country Cookie Connection
P.O. BOX 49
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 995-0660
This online store has perfected their sugar-free cookies made with Zsweet®. I have personally sampled these incredibly delicious, unbelievably sugar-free cookies and I can highly recommend them. They are SO good, you will not be disappointed! Order their 'Diabetic Cookie Sampler' and try them all for yourself.

Beach Pea Baking Co.

53 State Rd., Route 1

Kittery, ME 03904

(207) 439-3555

Environmentally conscious and "self-proclaimed native wildflour" this bakery is doing it's part to offer "high-quality foods", including Zsweet®!

Cafe Zing
25 White Street
Cambridge, MA 02140
(617) 497-9464
With a mission of serving unique, earth-friendly foods & beverages, this independent coffee shop proudly serves "Equal Exchange - Fairly Traded" teas & coffees... & Zsweet®. Stop by & feel good.

Gee Family Farm
P.O. Box 304
Twain Harte, CA 95383
(209) 586-4512

"Awarded Best of Tuolumne County 2003 & 2004"

Look for Shelly's delicious Zsweet® infused jams & jellies at the Sonora Farmer's Market or Tar Flat Vintage in downtown Sonora, CA on weekends.

Haven Cafe & Bakery

8 Franklin St

Lenox, MA 01240

(413) 637-8948

This gourmet cafe & bakery offers Zsweet® packets to compliment their fresh & tasty foods.

Holistic Medical Center

8264 Santa Monica Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90046

(323) 650-9606

This wellness center carries Zsweet® for the health & convenience of their patients.

Leonesse Cellars
38311 De Portola Road
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 302-7601
This beautiful restaurant and winery proudly serves Zsweet®.

ROUGE Restaurant & Bistro

3 W Center Rd

West Stockbridge, MA 01266

(413) 232-4111

Serving delicious French Contemporary food & Zsweet® all natural sweetener.

Seacoast Vitamins & Herbs
600 PALM AVE #109
IMPERIAL BEACH, CA 91932
(619) 429-1779
Visit them for incredible sugar-free, gluten-free pastries & desserts!

ZPizza
1021 Avenida Pico C
San Clemente CA, 92673
(949) 498-3505
ZPizza is known for healthy, natural ingredients that make up their delicious menu. This location now offers Zsweet® at their beverage bar.

The Benefits of Zsweet®

2009-01-14T10:02:00.000-08:00

The "Z" in ZSweet® stands for Zero. As you read ZSweet®'s benefits you'll see why.

* Zero calories
* Zero glycemic index
* Zero artificial ingredients
* Zero net carbs
* Zero sugar, glucose, fructose, sucrose
* No known allergens (no corn, soy, nuts, dairy or citrus ingredients)
* Vegan
* Kosher
* Raw
* No gluten ingredients
* Non-GMO
* No MSG
* Doesn't promote tooth decay
* Doesn't promote candida growth
* Zero fillers
* Made in the USA

Want a second opinon?
ZSweet® is endorsed by Dr.'s Andrew Weil, Nicholas Perricone and Julian Whitaker

articles courtesy: www.drweil.com, www.perriconemd.com, www.drwhitaker.com

To Be or Not To Be, Zero Calories

2009-01-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

A fact I found rather interesting since I've been in the sweetener biz is that not all zero calorie foods are truly zero calories.

FDA Food Labeling Regulations allow foods with just under 5 calories per serving to be labeled 0 calories.

See this quote from their official site:
"The caloric value of a product containing less than 5 calories may be expressed as zero or to the nearest 5 calorie increment (i.e., zero or 5 depending on the level). Foods with less than 5 calories meet the definition of "calorie free" and any differences are dietarily insignificant."

The FDA may consider less than 5 calories per serving insignificant, but to those of us counting calories for dieting or for monitoring blood sugar those hidden calories can really add up and have an impact.

So, when I learned this fact I was very curious to know the real calorie count for all the so-called "zero calorie sweeteners". I did my research and here's what I found:

4.0 calories per gm - Aspartame (Equal®)
4.0 calories per gm - Saccharin (Sweet'N Low®)
3.0 calories per gm - Sucralose (Splenda®)
2.6 calories per gm - Sorbitol
2.4 calories per gm - Xylitol
2.1 calories per gm - Maltitol
2.0 calories per gm - Isomalt
2.0 calories per gm - Lactitol
1.6 calories per gm - Mannitol
0.2 calories per gm - Erythritol (Zsweet®)
0 calories per gm - Stevia

Other than Stevia, Zsweet® is the only TRULY zero calorie sugar substitute. Not only is Zsweet® zero calories, but it's zero net carbs, which means you don't have to do the carb-calorie conversion. Why is that you ask? Because these kinds of carbs are not turned into glucose in the blood and are unavailable to be utilized as energy.

Here's the figures on some other commonly used sweeteners:
64.0 calories per tbsp - Honey
60.0 calories per tbsp - Agave Nectar
53.0 calories per tbsp - High Fructose Corn Syrup
11.0 calories per gm - Sugar
11.0 calories per gm - Brown Sugar

The #1 Question...

2009-01-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

One of the first things people want to know is, "What is Zsweet® anyway?".

Zsweet® is an all natural sugar substitute made of erythritol (ee-rith-ritol) and natural flavors. I know erythritol looks like a scientific name and we're all warned to be wary of things like that, but it's not. I also know what you're thinking about "natural flavors", I'll address that concern in a moment.

Erythritol is a natural sweetener, a sugar alcohol or polyol, that is derived from fermented fruits and vegetables. Unlike, artificial sweeteners that are synthetic, man-made chemical compounds formulated in laboratories by scientists and pharmacuetical companies, erythritol naturally exists in foods like cheese, yogurt, wine, beer, soy sauce and certain fruits and vegetables and the process we use to make erythritol for our Zsweet® is similar to the fermentation process used to make wine or beer.

Still can't picture how it's made? Plant or fruit sugar is mixed with water and then fermented with a natural culture into erythritol. It is then filtered, allowed to crystallize, and then dried. The finished product is white granules that resemble sugar in taste and texture.

You can't pluck an apple off a tree and get a mouth full of aspartame, saccharin or sucralose, but if you've eaten grapes or melons or any of the other foods I listed, you've eaten erythritol.

Now, regarding the natural flavors in Zsweet®, they are simply a blend of exotic fruit extracts. They're non-citrus fruits not commonly associated with allergies. The reason we don't list them specifically is because they're what makes Zsweet® taste better then plain erythritol, which has a strong minty aftertaste. We've been able to eliminate erythritol's cooling effect with our natural flavors and make it taste like sugar, so that's why they're trade secret.

People ask all the time, "Are the natural flavors artificial chemicals, MSG, or arsenic?" Heavens no! I get why people ask because some other products do sneak things in under that natural flavors label, but no, there's nothing like that in Zsweet®.

The whole reason Tim Avila created Zsweet® was so that people could have a natural alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners. He calls it a "no worries" sweetener and he's committed to that.

So that's it. Plain, simple and sweet!