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Types of Sugar Substitutes

In 1879, two Johns Hopkins University scientists accidentally discovered saccharin, the first sugar substitute. Said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar, it became widely used in a variety of pre-packaged foods. Since then, with numerous studies undertaken on the safety of each newly formulated sugar substitute, controversy still exists over their safety. People use sugar substitutes for a number of reasons, such as to watch their weight or to manage their diabetes. Sugar substitutes are on the market and available in both health food stores and major chain grocery outlets.

  1. Stevia

    • Stevia is extracted from an herb, native to Paraguay. For many reasons, the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has disallowed the use of the words "sweetener" or even "sweet" to be on the labeling of any product containing Stevia. Instead, the FDA has insisted that Stevia be referred to as a "dietary supplement." You can purchase Stevia in powder or liquid form at most health food stores.

    Sucralose

    • Sucralose is the key ingredient in a sugar substitute sold under the brand name Splenda. According to The Calorie Control Council (sucralose.org), the manufacturing of sucralose involves the replacement of "three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with three chlorine atoms." The dangers of ingesting sucralose have been under investigation and debate for quite some time, although the FDA has deemed it safe for consumption.

    Saccharin

    • Saccharin is another sugar substitute that has been studied quite a lot, banned by the U.S. government and then allowed on the market once again; however, makers of the sweetener must include a health warning on the packaging. Saccharin's base is a chemical called benzoic sulfimide. The most popular brand of saccharin is Sweet n' Low.

    Aspartame

    • Approved by the U.S. FDA in 1974, aspartame quickly became one of the country's favorite sugar substitutes. NutraSweet is the best-known of the many products containing aspartame that are sold as sweeteners. According to the Aspartame Information Center, over 6,000 products contain the substance. Despite many claims as to the dangers of aspartame, more than 200 scientific studies have been done, confirming its safety (Aspartame Information Center).

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