Yacon syrup has only ~1.5 calories per gram – 60% less than sugar. It is ~40–50% fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic fiber that resists digestion. A small RCT (Genta et al., 2009) found daily intake reduced body weight and waist circumference in obese women over 120 days, but larger trials are needed.
How should I track Yacon syrup?
When tracking Yacon syrup, measuring by weight on a kitchen scale gives you the most precision. Volume measures vary depending on crystal size and powder density — a heaping spoonful can be double a level one. Research shows visual estimation errors reach 50–200% for calorie-dense foods (Almiron-Roig et al., Appetite 2013), and liquid sweeteners like honey are among the easiest to over-pour. For zero-calorie sweeteners, bulking agents add trace calories (2–4 per packet) — negligible in your daily total. For calorie-containing sweeteners, the scale is essential.