A Nonnutritive Sweetener

A nonnutritive sweetener is a substance that provides sweetness with very few or no calories. It can be synthesized or derived from natural sources. These sweeteners are often many times sweeter than sugar, so only small amounts are needed.

Manufacturers use nonnutritive sweeteners to reduce the calorie content of foods and beverages while maintaining a sweet taste. They are commonly found in products like sugar-free candies, diet sodas, jams, jellies, and baked goods.

In the US, many nonnutritive sweeteners are affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA or approved as food additives. Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated several of these sweeteners. Research on the long-term health effects of nonnutritive sweeteners is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential impacts on gut microbiota and glucose tolerance, while others show no significant effects at typical consumption levels.