What are the Best Artificial Sweeteners?

@anon286922: Such delusional statements are obviously from a promoter or public relations person for Splenda!

You are incorrect on both accounts. First, the stevia I use is unprocessed leaf grown in my back yard, and the only reason the FDA has delayed is due to "anonymous" payoffs from the sugar industry, because although it may be OK for humans it was very detrimental to the industry's financial health! The FDA has always done this. That is why they were sued by the CDC. Their incorrect diet recommendations are, according to the CDC, "directly responsible for the rise in obesity and diabetes in America."

As far as sucralose, it may be made from sugar but it it closer to DDT in its effects on nature, animals, insects and healthy bacteria!

Notice that not one single bread recipe uses it because it kills the yeast!

It cannot be used in making yogurt because it kills the healthy bacteria needed in yogurt making! It can also be put on your skin as a powerful insecticide.

It cannot be used with your pets because it is directly related to causing kidney failure in canines.

For every single spoon you use, it kills more healthy gut bacteria than taking an powerful antibiotic, and once your digestive system is polluted from the use of this it takes years, even after stopping using it to get your gut health back.

Have you ever read the book "The Gut Brain Connection"? It talks about how destroyed gut health can cause violent outbursts, depression and even dementia.

The best source of sugar is unrefined; every natural food has benefits as well as downsides. I find all artificial sweeteners bitter and deceivingly average compared with the real thing. One contributor summed it up perfectly: eat well and exercise. Then there is no need (unless a medical issue is identified) to use sweeteners of any kind. Instead of having five or six cups of coffee/tea a day, have two with real sugar instead.

Stevia, as does all sugar or sucralose, starts from natural sources but all are processed. Yes, even Stevia. Stevia is a mutagen, meaning it can cause cancer and it also causes infertility. It is not approved by the FDA because it is not classified as a sugar substitute, but a nutritional supplement which is not regulated.

What you find in the store is highly processed to make it presentable and more palatable. Sucralose is stable in the body and the chlorine that most people are worried about does not metabolize in the body. As a matter of fact, it speeds up the passage of the sucralose through the body so it doesn't metabolize or affect blood sugar.

Chlorine is naturally found in many foods: potatoes, mushrooms and table salt just to name a few not to mention it is added to our water supply. I choose sucralose.

First I believe artificial sweeteners are mainly for people who suffer from diabetes. Most people should try to stick to the real stuff. Just like everything else they all have their existence values and costs. Neither "sugar" nor "sweeteners" are going to do much harm to our bodies. Only if the users decide to misuse them, do they become problematic.

Of course sugar is bad for you, especially in large doses -- as is everything in excess.

Hey #8--Sugar is way better than any artificial sweetener. Sugar is naturally occurring and I would rather have that than a chemical alternative. Splenda actually kills the good bacteria in your gut, but sugar will not.

If everyone would just eat and live more healthily, we would not need all this chemical junk that is making the labs rich. Also, gang, don't diet--doing so will cause your body to store fat, not rid itself of it. Rather, a healthy diet combined with exercise is the tried and true remedy for obesity.

Sugar is bad for you and the cause of many serious health problems. Any artificial sweetener is better for you than real sugar!

Another great option for diabetics is a product called "Whey Low". They also have a brown sugar substitute.

Artificial sweeteners are pure chemicals, that are sweet in tests. Every chemical has some of the side effects. these sweeteners also have it, so if you use artificial sweeteners then get ready to face the heat. Tip: Reduce your natural sugar intake and be healthy. It makes sense.

I suggest you do more research. While Stevia starts out from sugar, it is subjected to a number of processes that are in no way "natural" which change the chemical composition of the sugar. It is produced in a lab! Just because it starts as sugar doesn't mean it stays natural.

Stevia is great but people, please read the question - Stevia it is not an artificial sweetener - the question was - "what are the best artificial sweeteners".

Hi. I believe Stevia, and another favorite Xylitol, are not classified as "artificial" sweeteners, because they are naturally occurring.

It is for this very reason that i prefer to use Stevia and Xylitol to sweeten my foods with. I am hesitant to use anything artificially produced in a lab. they grey area surrounding safety and side effects make me uneasy. I prefer natural sweeteners such as Stevia and Xylitol

you didn't mention Stevia. It is more expensive, but is natural from plants, not acidic (for those with GRD or other stomach issues), 0 calories, and is thought to have many health benefits. It's very sweet and about 1/4 tsp=1 tsp sugar. Can be used for cooking also.

I am surprised that Stevia was not included in the above mentioned sweetners. It comes from a natural food source and is much safer than all of the above.