Zero-calorie
sweeteners may be risky to consume. They cause all sorts of health
problems, from multiple sclerosis to breast cancer.
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The four major sweeteners on the market (aspartame, sucralose, saccharin and acesulfame potassium) are all safe. Each has been thoroughly tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as public health organizations around the world.
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Pregnant women should not consume aspartame.
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Aspartame is completely safe for pregnant women. The American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Nutrition determined that aspartame is safe for both the mother and her developing baby. Of course, all pregnant women should consult with their doctors regarding nutritional needs during pregnancy.
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Sucralose (Splenda®) is a more natural
product than other sweeteners.
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Splenda is not a natural sweetener. Sucralose, the sweetener in Splenda, is produced by chemically substituting chlorine atoms in place of hydrogen-oxygen atom groups on the sugar molecule. |
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Aspartame
(Equal® Sweetener) |
Sucralose
(Splenda®) |
Saccharin
(Sweet'N Low®) |
Acesulfame
Potassium (Ace-K) |
| How sweet is it? |
Aspartame is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar.
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Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar. |
Saccharin is about 300 times sweeter than table sugar.
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Acesulfame potassium is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar.
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| How is it made? |
Aspartame
is made by joining together two amino acids with a methyl ester group.
All of these components are also found in foods eaten everyday.
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Sucralose is made through a multi-step process, which results in chlorine atoms being substituted for hydrogen-oxygen atom groups on the sugar molecule.
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Saccharin is made through a multi-step process combining two chemical groups, including a sulfur molecule.
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Ace-K is made from a process involving acetoacetic acid in combination with potassium.
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| Is it safe? |
Yes. Aspartame is safe and FDA approved.
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Yes. Sucralose is safe and FDA approved.
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Yes. Saccharin is safe and FDA approved.
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Yes. The FDA granted Ace-K approval in 1988.
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| How is it handled by the body? |
Aspartame is broken down into components that are digested by the body. |
Most sucralose passes through the body unchanged; a small percentage of sucralose is absorbed and metabolized.
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Saccharin passes through the body unchanged.
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Ace-K is not metabolized by the body and passes through unchanged.
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| How many studies have been conducted? |
More than 200 scientific studies done over 35 years have demonstrated the safety of aspartame.
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More than 100 scientific studies of sucralose done over 20 years have demonstrated the safety of sucralose.
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More than 30 human studies done over 20 years have demonstrated the safety of saccharin.
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More than 90 studies have demonstrated the safety of Ace-K.
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| Can you use it in recipes? |
Yes. Equal's Spoonful product is ideal for use in recipes, and adds great taste without all the calories to many of your favorite recipes. Equal Spoonful measures cup-for-cup just like sugar.
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Yes. Splenda (sucralose) comes in a bulk package that measures cup-for-cup, just like sugar.
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Yes. A conversion chart is available on the back of Sweet'N Low packages.
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Yes. The sweet taste of Ace-K remains unchanged at high temperatures.
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| What products contain it? |
Aspartame
is found in more than 6,000 products, including Eli's cheesecake
and Diet Coke®. |
Sucralose
is found in products including Diet Rite® and Blue Bunny® yogurt. |
Saccharin
is found in products including Sweet’N Low® Brand cookies and candy. |
Ace-K
is found in more than 4000 products. It can be found under the brand
names Sweet One® and Sunett® and in Equal® Sugar Lite. |
