Saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose are the most commonly used artificial sweeteners in the US. They differ in composition and usage. Saccharin is the oldest and is used in sodas, candies, and toothpaste. Aspartame is 180 times sweeter than sugar but has a slower onset and longer taste life. Sucralose is heat stable and made with real sugar, making it great for baking. Artificial sweeteners shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities, and a balanced diet is best.
While several artificial sweeteners are available, saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose are the most commonly used in the United States. They differ in their chemical composition, degree of sweetness, and how they are best used.
Saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener. It is commonly used to sweeten some sodas and diet candies, and to enhance the flavor of medicine and toothpaste. At one point, there was concern that saccharin might be a possible carcinogen, meaning it could cause cancer. In 2000, however, the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences determined that studies linking saccharin to cancer in laboratory rats were not applicable to humans.
Aspartame is sold under several product names and, like saccharin, is used in sodas and sweet diet candies. Although it is 180 times sweeter than sugar, it is unsuitable for cooking because it loses much of its sweetness when heated. Additionally, this artificial sweetener has a slower onset and longer taste life than sugar. Many people find this aftertaste to be a significant drawback to using aspartame.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is heat stable. It is made with real sugar, unlike many of the several commonly used artificial sweeteners. This makes it a great choice for baking cakes, cookies and other goodies. The makers of this artificial sweeter warn that it may not work as intended in recipes where the sugar’s function is to improve structure, texture or volume; promote carmelization and browning; or act as a preservative for preserves. In this case, the proportions of other ingredients in the recipe must be changed to achieve the desired results.
While artificial sweeteners can be a useful tool for people hoping to lose weight or manage blood glucose levels, consumers should keep in mind that these substances shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. Also, just because artificial sweeteners are used in a product doesn’t make the item low in calories or high in nutrients. A balanced diet, with a moderate amount of sweetened treats, is the best way to stay healthy.
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