Can Artificial Sweeteners Cause a Sore Throat?

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition experts, certain artificial sweeteners, such as erythritol and stevia, can produce a sensation resembling a sore throat in some sensitive individuals. While not a typical reaction for most people, specific sensitivities or allergies to artificial sweeteners can indeed lead to throat irritation and other symptoms.

Quick Summary

Some people report experiencing a sore throat or throat irritation after consuming artificial sweeteners, which can be due to sensitivities, allergic reactions, or other irritants in sugar-free products. Erythritol has a distinct taste that can feel sharp to some, while stevia and other sweeteners can trigger cross-reactivity with common allergens like ragweed. A detailed examination of various sweeteners and their potential impact on throat health is crucial for understanding this phenomenon.

Key Points

Specific Sweeteners: Certain sugar alcohols like erythritol have a sharp taste that can feel like a sore throat.
Allergic Reactions: Though uncommon, some individuals can have true allergic reactions to sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame, causing throat swelling and hives.
Stevia and Ragweed: People with ragweed allergies may experience cross-reactivity with stevia, leading to throat irritation and other symptoms.
Elimination Diet: The best way to identify if a sweetener is the cause of your sore throat is to perform an elimination diet and carefully reintroduce suspected culprits.
Food Additives: Throat irritation can be triggered by other food additives and preservatives, not just sweeteners, so reading labels is important.
Inflammation: Some sweeteners, like aspartame, may cause an inflammatory response in sensitive individuals, which could contribute to a sore throat.

Understanding the Link Between Artificial Sweeteners and Throat Irritation

While artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe for consumption, anecdotal evidence and some research suggest a potential link to sore throats and other forms of throat irritation in certain individuals. Unlike infections, this irritation is not caused by a virus or bacteria but rather by a bodily reaction to the artificial compounds or other ingredients present in sugar-free products. There are several potential mechanisms behind this phenomenon, including personal sensitivities, specific sweetener properties, and allergic reactions.

Potential Causes of a Sore Throat from Sweeteners

Individual Sensitivities

Unique Taste Sensation: Some sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, can produce a distinct, sharp taste and a cooling or burning sensation that can be perceived as a sore throat in the back of some people's throats. This is a taste-related phenomenon rather than a true allergic reaction. The specific sensation can vary widely from person to person.
Chemical Irritation: Certain artificial sweeteners or the compounds used alongside them can act as general irritants to the delicate mucous membranes lining the throat. Just as some people are sensitive to spicy food or acidic drinks, others may have a lower tolerance for the chemical makeup of these sugar substitutes, leading to irritation.

Allergic Reactions and Cross-Reactivity

True Allergies: Though rare, documented cases of allergic reactions to artificial sweeteners exist. The immune system mistakenly identifies the sweetener as a threat, triggering a defensive response. This can lead to symptoms like hives, swelling of the face, lips, and throat (angioedema), and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Cases involving sucralose and stevia have been reported.
Stevia and Ragweed Cross-Reactivity: The Stevia plant is in the same family as ragweed. For individuals with a ragweed allergy, consuming Stevia can trigger a cross-reactive allergic response because the proteins in both substances are similar. This can cause respiratory symptoms like a scratchy throat, coughing, or wheezing.

Digestive and Inflammatory Responses

Gastrointestinal Issues: Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and erythritol are known to cause digestive issues, particularly when consumed in large quantities. These can include bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This gastrointestinal distress can sometimes be accompanied by other discomforts, including throat irritation.
Inflammatory Responses: Some artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, have been linked to chronic inflammation in sensitive individuals. When the body's immune system identifies these substances as foreign, it can trigger an inflammatory response. In susceptible people, this systemic inflammation could contribute to localized symptoms like a sore throat.

Comparative Analysis of Common Sweeteners and Sore Throat Risk


Artificial Sweetener	Potential for Sore Throat	Primary Mechanism of Action	Common Associated Symptoms	Notes on Risk
Erythritol	Moderate	Unique taste and cooling sensation that can be perceived as a burn.	Distinct "sharp" or "cool" taste, potential for digestive issues.	Risk is primarily from taste sensation rather than a true allergy, though allergies have been reported.
Stevia	Moderate	Potential for allergic cross-reactivity with ragweed pollen.	Itchy throat, wheezing, coughing, bitter aftertaste.	Only affects individuals with a pre-existing ragweed allergy; risk is low for most people.
Sucralose	Low-Moderate	Can cause rare allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.	Hives, swelling of throat/lips, coughing, gastrointestinal issues.	Documented but uncommon; often hidden in many processed foods and drinks.
Aspartame	Low	Very rare allergic reactions; potential inflammatory response.	Hives, rashes, swelling in extremely rare allergic cases; generally considered low-risk.	More common side effects include headaches and mood changes rather than throat irritation.
Sorbitol	Low	Primarily a digestive irritant.	Laxative effect, bloating, and gas.	Sore throat is an unlikely symptom unless related to severe gastrointestinal reflux.

What to Do If You Suspect an Artificial Sweetener is Causing Your Sore Throat

Read Labels Carefully: Start by diligently checking the ingredient lists of any sugar-free foods or drinks you consume. Many products contain a blend of different artificial sweeteners, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact culprit.
Conduct an Elimination Diet: Stop consuming all products containing artificial sweeteners for a period (e.g., 2-4 weeks). If your sore throat and other symptoms improve, reintroduce individual sweeteners one at a time to identify the specific one causing the issue.
Monitor Allergic Reactions: Pay attention to other symptoms. If your throat irritation is accompanied by hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, seek medical attention immediately. This could indicate a serious allergic reaction, particularly if it's the first time consuming a specific sweetener.
Consider Natural Alternatives: For many, switching to other natural, low-calorie alternatives like monk fruit or allulose can eliminate the problem. These alternatives often have different chemical compositions and may not trigger the same sensitivities.

Conclusion: Is it the Sweetener or Something Else?

While the general consensus is that artificial sweeteners do not cause sore throats in the majority of the population, a definitive link exists for some sensitive individuals. For most people, a sore throat is likely due to other common causes such as viruses, dry air, or allergies. However, if you notice a consistent pattern of throat irritation after consuming sugar-free products, it is worth investigating a potential link to a specific artificial sweetener or other food additive. By carefully tracking your intake and symptoms, you can identify triggers and manage your consumption for better health and comfort.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health or experience persistent symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for some sensitive individuals, sugar-free gum can cause a sore throat. This is likely due to the artificial sweeteners (often sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol) or other additives in the gum, which can cause local irritation or an allergic response.

While uncommon, it is possible for some people to have an allergy or sensitivity to sucralose, which can result in symptoms including throat swelling, hives, and coughing. For most people, it does not cause a sore throat.

Erythritol produces a unique cooling or sharp sensation when it dissolves. For some people, particularly when consumed in larger amounts or specific recipes, this can feel like an off-putting, burning, or sore sensation in the back of the throat.

For most, a sore throat linked to artificial sweeteners is a minor irritation. However, if it is part of a broader allergic reaction, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives, it can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Yes, other food additives, preservatives, and natural flavorings in sugar-free products can act as irritants or allergens. For example, preservatives like sulphites are known culprits for throat irritation and asthma symptoms.

Stevia cross-reactivity occurs in people who are allergic to ragweed. Because the stevia plant is in the same botanical family as ragweed, the immune system can mistake the proteins in stevia for ragweed, triggering an allergic reaction that may include a scratchy throat.

Some artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, have been linked to inducing inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals. For some, this systemic inflammation could potentially contribute to or exacerbate a sore throat.