Living with type 1 diabetes can sometimes feel like being handed a script for a play you didn't audition for. But fear not! With a sprinkle of knowledge and a dash of humour, managing your relationship with food can be both healthy and delightful.

From Diagnosis to Dessert Rebel

Meet Dani, our founder and Chief Chocolate Alchemist. Diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes as an adult in 2021, Dani faced the challenge of balancing blood sugar levels while still indulging in his passion for creating healthy, sweet pleasures. Instead of bidding farewell to desserts, he embarked on a mission to reinvent them, ensuring they were both delectable, allergen-free, plant-based and diabetes-friendly - no small feat!

The Sugar Conundrum

We all know sugar makes things taste amazing, but it can also send blood glucose levels on a rollercoaster ride — not ideal for anyone managing diabetes. But does this mean desserts are off the table? Absolutely not!

The key is finding better alternatives that provide all the sweetness without the nasty side effects. Enter erythritol and stevia, our two sugar-free superheroes!

Enter Erythritol and Stevia: The Sweet Saviours

Erythritol: The Sugar Alcohol That’s Not Boozy

Before you panic at the word "alcohol" — erythritol is NOT the same as the stuff in your cocktail! It’s a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in some fruits, offering sweetness without the calorie baggage. It provides about 70% of sugar’s sweetness but doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes, making it a favourite among the health-conscious.

Stevia: The Plant-Based Powerhouse

Straight from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, this zero-calorie sweetener is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar — yes, really! Even better, it has no significant effect on blood glucose levels, making it a sweet deal for those managing diabetes.

A Match Made in Dessert Heaven

On their own, erythritol and stevia are great — but together, they’re unbeatable!

• Erythritol gives the bulk and mild sweetness that sugar provides.
• Stevia enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavour.

By mastering the perfect combination, we’ve cracked the code to bring back the taste and texture of sugar — without the sugar crash. This means more people can enjoy sweet treats without worrying about their blood sugar levels going haywire.

Beyond Type 1: Sweet News for All

While our focus is on type 1 diabetes, it’s worth mentioning that those with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes can also benefit from these natural sweeteners. Cutting out refined sugar and replacing it with better alternatives can make a world of difference in maintaining balanced blood glucose levels.

Rediscovering Sweet Joy

At Frootie, we’ve harnessed the power of these natural sweeteners to create chocolates and treats that tick all the boxes:

✅ Sugar-free but still sweet
✅ Diabetes-friendly
✅ Allergen-free
✅ Plant-based
✅ Delicious and indulgent

You shouldn’t have to say goodbye to desserts forever, and with the right choices, you don’t have to!

In Conclusion: Life’s Too Short to Skip Dessert

Managing type 1 diabetes doesn’t mean waving goodbye to sweet delights. With natural alternatives like erythritol and stevia, you can have your cake and eat it too — literally!

So embrace the journey, savour the sweetness, and remember — being healthy doesn’t have to be boring. 🍫✨