Sucralose
Also known as: 1′,4,6′-Trichlorogalactosucrose, Trichlorosucrose, TGS, Splenda
SweetenersFlavor Enhancers
Safety rating
Use Sparingly
Eat Away!Generally SafeUse SparinglyAvoid
Purpose and Function
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener roughly 600 times sweeter than sucrose, providing intense sweetness without calories. It's highly stable under heat and in acidic conditions, making it versatile in cooking and food processing.
Commonly found in
- —Diet sodas, flavored waters, and energy drinks
- —Sugar-free and reduced-calorie baked goods
- —Sugar-free yogurts and ice creams
- —Tabletop sweeteners like Splenda
- —Some medications, for palatability
Key functions
- —Sweetens without adding calories (~600x sweeter than sucrose)
- —Remains stable under heat and acidic conditions
Potential Risks and Side Effects
- 01Approved by the FDA, EFSA, and WHO within acceptable daily intake levels
- 02May affect gut microbiota composition, per some studies (research ongoing, mixed results)
- 03Can break down into potentially harmful compounds (e.g. chloropropanols) when heated to high temperatures
- 04Some studies suggest subtle effects on insulin response and blood sugar in non-habitual consumers