Are Artificial Sweeteners Considered Added Sugars? Separating Fact from Label Fiction

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, artificial sweeteners are not considered added sugars, representing a fundamental distinction in how we read and understand food labels. While both provide a sweet taste, their chemical composition and metabolic effects on the body are entirely different.

Quick Summary

Artificial sweeteners are distinct from added sugars and are not listed in the added sugar count on nutrition labels. They offer sweetness with minimal or no calories, and are instead listed by name in the ingredients list, regulated separately by the FDA.

Key Points

Key Distinction: Artificial sweeteners are not chemically sugars and are not counted as 'Added Sugars' on the Nutrition Facts label.
Label Literacy: To identify artificial sweeteners, look beyond the sugar count and check the ingredients list for chemical names like sucralose or aspartame.
FDA Regulations: The FDA regulates artificial sweeteners as food additives and sets acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels to ensure safety.
Different Effects: Unlike added sugars, most artificial sweeteners provide intense sweetness with few or no calories and don't significantly raise blood sugar levels.
Health Considerations: Added sugars are linked to various health risks, while the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners are still a subject of ongoing research, especially concerning gut health.
Moderation is Key: While offering a low-calorie alternative, simply substituting artificial sweeteners for sugar may not lead to significant long-term health benefits without broader changes to diet and lifestyle.

The Definitive Difference: Artificial Sweeteners vs. Added Sugars

Understanding what constitutes an added sugar and what defines an artificial sweetener is the first step toward making informed dietary decisions. While many people use the terms interchangeably, particularly when talking about reducing sugar intake, they are chemically and legally distinct. The way they are metabolized and listed on food packaging reflects this important separation.

What Defines an Added Sugar?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), added sugars are defined as sugars and syrups that are incorporated into foods and beverages during processing. This includes a wide array of ingredients used for sweetening or other functional purposes. Critically, this definition excludes sugars that occur naturally within foods like fruit or milk.

Examples of ingredients that are categorized as added sugars include:

Table sugar (sucrose)
High-fructose corn syrup
Dextrose and fructose
Honey and maple syrup
Brown sugar
Molasses
Fruit and vegetable juice concentrates used for sweetening

For consumers, the FDA mandates that food labels explicitly list the amount of added sugars in grams and as a percentage of the Daily Value (DV). For most Americans consuming a 2,000-calorie diet, this DV is 50 grams per day. Exceeding this limit is associated with health risks such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The Lowdown on Artificial Sweeteners

In stark contrast to added sugars, artificial sweeteners are food additives that provide a sweet taste without contributing significant calories or carbohydrates. Often called non-nutritive or high-intensity sweeteners, they are many times sweeter than table sugar, so only a small amount is needed. Because they do not metabolize in the body as sugars, they do not impact blood sugar levels in the same way, making them a popular choice for individuals with diabetes.

Instead of being counted in the 'Added Sugars' total, artificial sweeteners are listed individually by name in the product's ingredient list. This is a crucial distinction for label-reading. The FDA regulates these compounds as food additives or, in some cases, as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) substances, and has established acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels for each.

Common artificial sweeteners include:

Sucralose (brand name: Splenda)
Aspartame (brand names: NutraSweet, Equal)
Saccharin (brand names: Sweet'N Low, Sweet Twin)
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) (brand name: Sweet One)
High-purity steviol glycosides (stevia)
Monk fruit extract (luo han guo)

Comparison Table: Added Sugars vs. Artificial Sweeteners


Feature	Added Sugars	Artificial Sweeteners
Chemical Nature	Carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, dextrose)	Synthetic or natural compounds, not sugars
Caloric Value	Approximately 4 calories per gram	Very low or zero calories
Metabolism	Absorbed and metabolized for energy; can raise blood sugar	Not fully metabolized; do not significantly raise blood sugar
On the Label	Listed in grams and %DV under 'Added Sugars'	Listed by name in the ingredient list
Regulation	FDA definition focuses on processing	FDA-approved as food additives or GRAS
Daily Limit	Less than 10% of daily calories recommended	ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) established for each specific sweetener

Navigating the Contention: Health Implications

Both added sugars and artificial sweeteners are subjects of ongoing health debates. Added sugars are widely recognized as a contributor to excessive calorie intake and chronic health issues, from obesity to type 2 diabetes. Reducing consumption is a key public health recommendation.

For artificial sweeteners, research into long-term health effects is still evolving. While the FDA has approved these sweeteners as safe for consumption within ADI levels, some studies suggest potential links to changes in gut microbiota, altered taste preferences, and metabolic dysfunction. This has led to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other bodies advising a cautious approach to their use, particularly for children.

Making Informed Choices

For those looking to reduce sugar in their diet, it's essential to understand both categories of sweeteners and their specific implications. Here are some tips for making healthier, more informed choices:

Read beyond the numbers. Just because a product is 'sugar-free' doesn't mean it's calorie-free or has no impact on your health. Read the full ingredients list to see what type of sweetener has been used.
Rethink your sweet tooth. Frequent consumption of intensely sweet flavors, whether from sugar or artificial sources, can maintain or increase a craving for sweetness. Consider weaning yourself off sweetened products altogether.
Use whole foods. For natural sweetness, opt for whole foods like fruits and vegetables. These contain natural sugars but also provide fiber and other beneficial nutrients that help regulate absorption.
Consider moderation. If you do choose to use artificial sweeteners, do so in moderation and within the ADI levels set by regulatory bodies. They can be a tool for transitioning away from high-sugar habits but aren't a free pass for unhealthy eating patterns.
Consult a professional. If you have specific health concerns, such as diabetes or digestive issues, it is best to discuss your sweetener options with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to "are artificial sweeteners considered added sugars?" is a clear no, according to official definitions from the FDA. Added sugars are caloric sweeteners that must be declared on the Nutrition Facts panel, while artificial sweeteners are non-nutritive additives that appear on the ingredients list. Navigating these two categories requires careful label reading and an understanding of their different effects. By recognizing the distinction, consumers can make more knowledgeable choices about the products they consume and take control of their nutritional health. For more official guidance, you can refer to the FDA's information on high-intensity sweeteners.

Related Resources

For additional context on food additives and labeling, you can explore resources from organizations like the FDA and health-focused institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, artificial sweeteners are not the same as added sugars. The FDA defines added sugars as caloric sweeteners added during food processing, while artificial sweeteners are non-nutritive food additives that provide intense sweetness with few or no calories.

To identify artificial sweeteners, you must check the ingredient list on the food label. Unlike added sugars, which have a dedicated line on the Nutrition Facts panel, artificial sweeteners are listed by their common or brand names, such as sucralose or aspartame.

Artificial sweeteners do not appear in the 'Added Sugars' count because they are not chemically sugars. They are synthetic compounds that do not contribute calories or carbohydrates in the same way as traditional caloric sweeteners.

The FDA regulates artificial sweeteners as food additives and requires pre-market review and approval, or classifies them as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS). All artificial sweeteners and high-intensity sweeteners permitted in the U.S. have undergone this evaluation process.

Most artificial sweeteners are not metabolized as sugars and, therefore, do not typically raise blood sugar levels. This is why they are often used by people with diabetes or those monitoring their blood glucose.

Artificial sweeteners are non-caloric, while sugar alcohols (e.g., erythritol, xylitol) are a type of nutritive carbohydrate that contains some calories, although fewer than sugar. Sugar alcohols can also have a different effect on blood sugar and digestion.

Based on available scientific evidence reviewed by regulatory bodies like the FDA, approved artificial sweeteners are considered safe for consumption within established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) levels. Long-term health effects are a subject of ongoing research, particularly concerning the gut microbiota.

The impact of artificial sweeteners on weight management is complex and debated. Some research suggests they may not aid in long-term weight loss and could potentially affect metabolic processes, while other studies show no negative effect within ADI limits.