Alternatives to Natural Sweeteners

Studies indicate that nearly 50 percent of households use artificial sweeteners.

Sugar, honey and agave nectar give our foods a satisfying sweetness. They also give our bodies extra calories to burn. That is why many people turn to artificial sweeteners as an alternative to natural ones. According to a survey conducted by the Calorie-Control Council, 144 million Americans consistently consume artificial sweeteners. The Food and Drug Administration has tested and approved five of these for general use. They are acesulfame potassium; aspartame; neotame; saccharine; and sucralose.

Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988. It is non-nutritive, does not affect blood glucose levels and is 200 times sweeter than sugar. Acesulfame potassium has a noticeably bitter aftertaste. Therefore, it is best used in combination with other sweeteners. Acesulfame is sold under the brand names Sunett and Sweet One.

Aspartame

Aspartame is sold as Equal, Nutrasweet and Sugar Twin.

Aspartame, sold as Equal, Nutrasweet and Sugar Twin, has been approved as a general use sweetener in over 100 countries. Unlike other artificial sweeteners, aspartame does contain calories, but since it is 160 to 220 times sweeter than sugar, a little goes a long way and the calorie count is negligible. Aspartame, which is often found in diet soda, breaks down when heated. Therefore, it is not recommended for cooking or baking. It is also not recommended for individuals with the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria or PKU.

Neotame

Neotame, made by the makers of NutraSweet, is a recent addition to the artificial sweetener market. Approved by the FDA in 2002, neotame is actually a type of aspartame that is is 7,000 to 12,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is currently found in a variety of products including beverages, desserts and baked goods. According to the manufacturer, neotame is safe for the general population, including people with with the metabolic disorder phenylketonuria or PKU.

Saccharin

Of all the artificial sweeteners, saccharin is the oldest. Saccharin, which is both FDA and World Health Organization approved, has been a sugar substitute for over 100 years . Saccharin is used as a tabletop sweetener and in a variety of products including baked goods, desserts, candy, salad dressings and preserves. Sold as Sweet 'N Low, Sweet Twin and Necta Sweet, saccharin has no calories, does not raise blood glucose levels and is 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar.

Sucralose

Sucralose is derived from sugar but has no calories.

Discovered in 1976 and approved by the FDA in 1999, sucralose is a non-caloric sweetener made from sugar. It is less bitter than other artificial sweeteners and extremely heat-stable, which makes it a good choice for cooking and baking. Sucralose, sold as Splenda, is 600 times sweeter than sugar and studies show it has no affect on carbohydrate metabolism, which makes it diabetic friendly.

References

• Calorie Control Council: Sugar Substitutes; 2011
• Medicine Net: Artificial Sweeteners
• Health: 10 Artificial Sweeteners and Sugar Substitutes, Mara Betsch
• WebMD: The Truth on Artificial Sweeteners; Carol Sorgen;

Resources

• "Empty Pleasures: The Story of Artificial Sweeteners"; Carolyn Thomas de la Peña; September 2010