Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is sucralose?
Sucralose is a zero-calorie, high-intensity sweetener made from sugar, so it tastes just like sugar. It is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar, allowing it to replace sugar to reduce calories in a wide variety of products, including beverages, baked goods, desserts, dairy products, syrups, and condiments.
Discovered in 1976, sucralose has been the subject of more than 100 scientific studies over a 20-year period, conclusively demonstrating its safety. It has been endorsed by major regulatory bodies globally, including the FDA, JECFA, and the European Union, and is now permitted for use in over 100 countries.
2. What are the advantages of Sucralose?
- ▶ The only high-intensity sweetener made from sugar
- ▶ Closest sweetness profile to sugar
- ▶ ~600 times sweeter than sugar
- ▶ Highly soluble and easy to handle
- ▶ Extremely stable under heat and storage
- ▶ Zero calories and zero carbohydrates
- ▶ Does not cause tooth decay
- ▶ No effect on blood glucose levels
- ▶ No effect on reproduction
- ▶ Non-toxic with no known side effects
3. How does it compare to other sweeteners?
| Sweetener | Sweetness Level | Aftertaste | Carcinogen | Heat Stability | Shelf-Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sucralose | 600 X | None | No | Yes (Great) | Great |
| Aspartame | 180 X | Metallic | Under investigation | No | Poor |
| Saccharin | 500 X | Bitter | Controversial | Yes | Good |
| Acesulfame-K | 200 X | Bitter | No | Yes | Good |
4. How much sucralose can people safely consume?
People can consume sucralose-sweetened products daily without safety concerns. Health authorities have set Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels well above typical consumption. Studies involving high daily doses over lifetimes have shown no harmful effects, confirming its safety profile.
5. Can people with diabetes use sucralose?
Yes. Sucralose is not recognized by the body as sugar or carbohydrate. It is not metabolized for energy and has no effect on blood glucose levels, insulin production, or carbohydrate metabolism, making it safe for people with diabetes.
6. Is it safe for children, pregnant, and breastfeeding women?
Yes. Sucralose is safe for everyone, including children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It can be part of a healthy diet for the whole family.
7. What products contain sucralose?
Because sucralose is stable under heat and long-term storage, it can be used in almost any product where sugar is used. It is found in over 3,500 products worldwide across numerous categories:
8. What is sucralose made of?
Sucralose is derived from sugar through a patented multi-step process that selectively substitutes three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with chlorine atoms. This creates an exceptionally stable molecular structure that tastes like sugar but has no calories.
9. Are there any warning labels required?
No. None of the regulatory agencies worldwide that have confirmed the safety of sucralose require any warning labels on products containing it.
10. Is the chlorine in sucralose harmful?
No. The chlorine in sucralose is safe. Chlorine is a natural element found in many foods like lettuce, tomatoes, and table salt. In sucralose, the chlorine atoms are tightly bound, creating an inert molecule that passes through the body unchanged without being broken down or accumulated.
