A Sweetener

A sweetener is a substance that adds sweetness to foods and drinks. Most sweeteners are carbohydrates, like sugar (sucrose), but some are proteins or other compounds. They can be natural, like honey or stevia, or artificial, like aspartame or sucralose.

Sweeteners are added to foods and beverages to provide a sweet taste without the calories of sugar, or to provide a more intense sweetness. They are commonly found in diet drinks, sugar-free desserts, baked goods, and candies. Manufacturers use them to reduce calorie content, manage blood sugar for diabetics, or create unique flavor profiles.

In the U.S., many sweeteners are approved by the FDA as food additives or are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Regulatory bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated many sweeteners. Research on the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners is ongoing, with some studies suggesting potential links to gut microbiome changes or metabolic effects, while others find no significant impact at typical consumption levels. Evidence is mixed, and more research is needed.