Equal | FAQ

Equal Original

What are the ingredients in Equal Original?

Equal Original (blue packaging) is a zero calorie sweetener that contains aspartame and acesulfame potassium as its sweetening ingredients along with a bulking agent.

Equal Original PACKETS:
dextrose with maltodextrin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium

Equal Original Granular:
maltodextrin, aspartame, acesulfame potassium

Equal Original TABLETS:
lactose (from milk), aspartame, acesulfame potassium, cellulose gum, calcium stearate

Aspartame - a sweetening ingredient that is 200 times sweeter than sugar

Acesulfame Potassium - a sweetening ingredient that is 200 times sweeter than sugar

Dextrose with maltodextrin - added as a bulking agent to very concentrated sweeteners to make them easier to measure and pour

Maltodextrin - fluffed up through a spray-dry process, is used as a bulking agent with very concentrated sweeteners to make them easier to measure like sugar

Lactose - used as a bulking agent to very concentrated sweeteners as part of the tablet

Cellulose Gum - adds texture and volume to foods

Calcium Stearate - an ingredient to help with the release of the tablet from the mold during manufacturing

Is Equal Original appropriate for diabetics?

Equal is appropriate for use by individuals with diabetes. It is well tolerated by both those with insulin dependent and non-insulin dependant diabetes (type 1 and type 2). Equal is recognized as an acceptable part of a diabetes meal plan by the Canadian Diabetics Association.

Is Equal Original safe?

Yes, Equal Original is safe.
Aspartame and acesulfame potassium, the sweetening ingredients in Equal Original, have been tested in hundreds of scientific studies. The safety of these sweetening ingredients have been confirmed by regulatory authorities including, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food, as well as by experts with the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization.

How much Equal Original should I use to get the same sweetness as sugar?

Each packet of Equal Original is as sweet as 2 teaspoons of sugar. Equal Granular measures just like sugar. If you need 1 teaspoon of sugar, simply measure 1 teaspoon of Equal Granular. Each Equal tablet is as sweet as 1 teaspoon of sugar.

Equal Packets	Sugar	Equal Granular	Equal Tablets
1/2 packet	1 teaspoon (5 mL)	1 teaspoon (5 mL)	1 tablet
1 packet	2 teaspoons (10 mL)	2 teaspoons (10 mL)	2 tablets
1 1/2 packet	1 tablespoon (15 mL)	1 tablespoon (15 mL)
6 packets	1/4 cup (50 mL)	1/4 cup (50 mL)
8 packets	1/3 cup (83 mL)	1/3 cup (83 mL)
12 packets	1/2 cup (125 mL)	1/2 cup (125 mL)
24 packets	1 cup (250 mL)	1 cup (250 mL)

Can I use Equal Original in my recipes instead of sugar?

Equal sweeteners can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from everyday dishes to special treats. Our test kitchens have developed many delicious recipes sweetened with Equal and we know you’ll enjoy making them in your kitchen.

Where can I find recipes specifically formulated for use with Equal Original?

Click here to search for a wide variety of Equal recipes. Or simply call us at 1-800-323-5316.

Does Equal Original have an expiration date?

Equal has an indefinite shelf life if stored away from heat and humidity.

In what forms is Equal Original available?

Equal Original Packets — Pre-measured for convenience; great for beverages and cereal.
Equal Original Granular — Measures cup-for-cup like sugar; perfect for recipes.
Equal Original Tablets — For on-the-go convenience.
Equal's entire family of products can help your patients keep enjoying the good things in life without all the calories and carbohydrates of sugar.

Using Equal in Recipes

Can Equal be used in recipes?

Equal can be used in a variety of recipes. For best results, use specially designed Equal recipes or add Equal after removing dishes from heat.
Equal recipes are lower in calories and carbohydrates than tradition versions, and include nutritional information and food exchanges to aid in meal planning. Sugar substitutes cannot provide the bulk, tenderness, and browning properties of sugar.

Can Equal be used at high temperatures?

Yes. Equal recipes use a variety of cooking times and temperatures. The Equal Apple Pie, for instance, bakes at 400°F OR 204°C for 40 to 50 minutes.

Product Safety

How much Equal Original can be safely consumed?

68 kg adult can consumer up to 120 packets of Equal each day and not exceed conservative ADIs (Acceptable Daily Intake).

Does Equal Original cause headaches?

No. "Aspartame is no more likely to produce headaches than placebo." (Source: Schiffman, Susan. "Aspartame and Susceptibility to Headache," The New England Journal of Medicine, 1987)

Does Equal Original cause allergic reactions?

No. "Studies have found no association between aspartame and allergic reactions." (Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)

Is Equal Original safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing?

Yes. "Aspartame is safe for both mother and developing baby." (Source: American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Nutrition). Pregnant women should consult their physician to ensure that they are receiving proper amounts of nutrients.

Does using Equal Original cause hyperactivity in children?

No. "Studies have shown that aspartame consumption does not affect the behavior of children." (Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)

Is Equal Original safe at high temperatures?

Yes. Exposing foods containing aspartame to high temperatures for prolonged periods of time does not cause any hazardous chemical changes but may result in some loss of sweetness.

Could using Equal Original cause weight gain?

No. Equal Original has zero calories and can be an effective part of a weight management program.

"Intense sweeteners have not been found to cause weight gain in humans." (Source: Rolls, BJ. "Effect of utraSweet® on Body Weight," 1991)

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