Baking Splenda vs. Granular Splenda

[LilBit]

Can someone please explain the difference between these two?

Is there any reason that I need to buy both, or is granular universal?

If it is universal, then what's the purpose of the Baking Splenda? :confused :confused

[k0mptec1]

I have never bought it, but my MIL told me that she bought baking splenda and it was half sugar half splenda... that is the difference. I think.

[LilBit]

YIKES! If that's the case, that's not good then! :yikes

Can't you use granular Splenda to bake with?

[not2late]

You can use regular splenda for baking. The problem is that Splenda doesn't have the same baking properties that sugar has. Sugar when heated crystallizes, this helps to create the structure of some baked goods. Sugar also caramelizes, which gives it a depth of flavor Splenda doesn't have and the caramelization process helps to brown the product. And sugar hydrates baked goods. When it bakes the sugar crystallizes, but then sugar is sort of liquidified, and the product becomes moister---this is the reason why some cakes have a better texture a few days after they've been baked.

But the baking Splenda (the half sugar/half splenda mix) isn't acceptable for the weight loss phases of Atkins because it contains sugar. Maybe on Maintenance, it can become an occasional option, but not during the weight loss phases.

[Kent]

Note there is bulk regular Splenda too in a large bag. It is created to be equal measurements to regular sugar, so if the recipe calls for .5 cup of regular sugar, you can use .5 cup of bulk Splenda. Of course, then Splenda had to mess with the ease of recommending Splenda by having one that is 50-50 Splenda-Sugar.

[LilBit]

Note there is bulk regular Splenda too in a large bag. It is created to be equal measurements to regular sugar, so if the recipe calls for .5 cup of regular sugar, you can use .5 cup of bulk Splenda. Of course, then Splenda had to mess with the ease of recommending Splenda by having one that is 50-50 Splenda-Sugar.

That's exactly my problem.

Hubby was dropping by the store for milk for the kids, and I asked him to pick up BULK Splenda; I'd only bought a small box prior to that to be sure I liked it, could use it.

Well, here he comes hauling in TWO HUGEEEEEEEE bags of Splenda Baking, and I did notice right away that it's 50/50 real sugar.

I still have the receipt, I'll take it back and buy my own blessed stuff from now on.

*mutters something about MEN in a grocery store* :bang

Oh, you're the exception to that mutter, Bowulf.