Sweetners

Sweeteners are substances added to foods to make them taste sweet. They can be natural, like sugar and honey, or artificial, created through chemical processes. Many sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to achieve the same level of sweetness.

Manufacturers add sweeteners to reduce calories and carbohydrates, or to provide sweetness without contributing to tooth decay. They are commonly found in sugar-free or low-calorie products such as diet drinks, baked goods, candies, and dairy products like yogurt and ice cream.

The FDA regulates sweeteners, with many approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) or as food additives. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated many sweeteners. While generally considered safe in moderate amounts, some artificial sweeteners have faced public scrutiny and ongoing research regarding their long-term health effects. Evidence on their impact on gut health and metabolism is still developing.