Hi Lucky1:

Dr. S. responds to the question of sugar substitutes in her FAQ. She says "sugar substitutes can cause carb cravings and they are toxic chemicals. Sugar substitutes are made from chemicals or sugars such as mannitol, sorbitol, fructose or xylitol."

An easier explanation is that it is a man-made food. The carbohydrate from the birch sugar is altered through a chemical process. Unless you can theoretically hunt, fish, grow and/or harvest the food, it's not on her plan.

HTH,
Wanda