Overview of Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, which are zero- or low-calorie substitutes used to enhance the sweetness of foods and beverages, range from 200 to 20,000 times sweeter than sugar. Originally developed to aid in weight loss while allowing enjoyment of sweet treats, the widespread use of these sweeteners has raised health concerns over time.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several artificial sweeteners, including:
Aspartame (Nutrasweet®, Equal®, Sugar Twin®) is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Used in diet sodas, sugar-free gums, low-calorie dessert options like puddings and ice creams, as well as certain yogurts and tabletop sweeteners. Additionally, aspartame is used in some pharmaceutical products like chewable vitamins and sugar-free cough drops.
Neotame (Newtame®), similar in structure to aspartame but approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter. Used in baked goods, beverages, candies, chewing gum, dairy products, frozen desserts, puddings, and yogurt-type products.
Sucralose (Splenda®), which is calorie-free because it’s not digestible, is excreted mostly via feces, with some absorbed and excreted through urine. It is found in diet sodas, flavored waters, ready-to-drink teas, sugar-free cookies, cakes, muffins, pastries, yogurts, sugar-free ice creams, sugar-free jams, syrups, low-calorie salad dressings, sugar-free candies, gum, mints, Splenda packets, granulated and liquid sweeteners, and protein shakes.
Saccharin (Sweet ‘N Low®, Sweet Twin®, Necta Sweet®) is about 300 times sweeter than sugar and is excreted through urine, as it cannot be metabolized by the body. Used in diet sodas, sugar-free gums, candies, tabletop sweeteners, sugar-free jams, jellies, baked goods, low-calorie desserts, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and some pharmaceutical products.
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) (Sunett®, Sweet One®) is also 200 times sweeter than sugar. You can find it in diet sodas, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, ice cream, yogurt, and in some processed snacks such as candies and chewing gum.Â
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that’s 70% as sweet as sugar. It is commonly found in sugar-free and low-calorie candies, chocolates, baked goods, diet sodas, flavored waters, ketchup. barbecue sauce, sugar-free gums, mints, and some dairy products. Protein bars, meal replacements, and dietary supplements also use erythritol to enhance flavor. Available as a standalone product, often blended with other sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, it is used in coffee, tea, and cooking.
While these artificial sweeteners provide a sweet taste with minimal calories, growing evidence suggests that they may have several health risks.
