Sweetener

Sweeteners are substances that add sweetness to foods and drinks. They can be natural, like sugar and honey, or artificial, created in a lab. Many sweeteners are carbohydrates, but some are not.

Manufacturers use sweeteners to provide a sweet taste without adding calories or affecting blood sugar levels, or to create a more intense sweetness than sugar. They are found in a wide variety of products, including diet beverages, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, and tabletop sweeteners.

Many sweeteners have been evaluated by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EFSA. Some, like aspartame and sucralose, are approved for use in the US and have acceptable daily intake levels set by JECFA. While generally recognized as safe (GRAS) at typical consumption levels, some artificial sweeteners have faced public debate regarding their long-term health effects, though scientific consensus generally supports their safety within established limits.