Sugar substitute

A sugar substitute or artificial sweetener[2] is a food additive that provides a sweetness like that of sugar while containing significantly less food energy than sugar-based sweeteners, making it a zero-calorie (non-nutritive)[3] or low-calorie sweetener. Artificial sweeteners may be derived from plant extracts or processed by chemical synthesis. Sugar substitute products are commercially available in various forms, such as small pills, powders and packets.

Common sugar substitutes include aspartame, monk fruit extract, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, acesulfame potassium (ace-K) and cyclamate. These sweeteners are a fundamental ingredient in diet drinks to sweeten them without adding calories. Additionally, sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol and sorbitol are derived from sugars.

No links have been found between approved artificial sweeteners and cancer in humans. Reviews and dietetic professionals have concluded that moderate use of non-nutritive sweeteners as a safe replacement for sugars can help limit energy intake and assist with managing blood glucose and weight.


Cite error: There are <ref group=note> tags on this page, but the references will not show without a {{reflist|group=note}} template (see the help page).

  1. ^ Stein, Anne (11 May 2011). "Artificial sweeteners. What's the difference?". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 12 July 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  2. ^ "Pros and cons of artificial sweeteners". Mayo Clinic. 10 January 2023. Archived from the original on 19 June 2025. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
  3. ^ "Nutritive and Nonnutritive Sweetener Resources | Food and Nutrition Information Center | NAL | USDA". nal.usda.gov. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
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