Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners  

Rumors about sugar substitutes never seem to die. Aspartame causes brain tumors in rats! Stevia is a miracle food quashed by powerful sugar lobbyists! Here, we separate fact from fiction and give you the sweet truth.

 

Saccharin (Sweet'n Low)

What it is: Product of a reaction between sulfur dioxide, chlorine, ammonia, and two biochemical acids. Found in Crest and Colgate

Calories: 1⁄8 calorie per teaspoon

Flavor profile: Metallic and bitter aftertaste; 300 to 500 times sweeter than sugar

Possible side effects: Linked to cancer in rats, but not in humans; FDA removed warning labels.

 

Aspartame (Nutra-sweet and Equal)

What it is: A combination of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Found in Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, and most other diet sodas

Calories: 0

Flavor profile: Distinctly chemical; 180 times sweeter than sugar

Possible side effects: None, unless you have a rare genetic condition called phenylketonuria, in which your body can't process phenylalanine

 

Sucralose (Splenda)

What it is: Sugar molecules blended with chlorine. Found in Arizona brand diet iced teas

Calories: 0

Flavor profile: Slightly chemical; 600 times sweeter than sugar

Possible side effects: None

 

Sugar Alcohols

What it is: Sugar molecules with added hydrogen. Found in Hershey's low-carb chocolate bars

Calories: ¾ the calories of sugar

Flavor profile: None; same sweetness as sugar, but less impact on blood sugar

Possible side effects: Bloating, gas, diarrhea

 

Stevia

What it is: Dried leaves of the stevia plant. Not yet approved by the FDA for use in food products

Calories: 0

Flavor profile: Licorice-like; 150 to 400 times sweeter than sugar

Possible side effects:  Not yet known; clinical trials have not been conducted.

 

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