Do they have Splenda in Europe? What to Know Before You Travel

January 1, 2026 •

4 min read

The low-calorie sweetener sucralose, the main ingredient in Splenda, has been approved for use across the European Union since 2004. However, travelers who rely on the familiar yellow packets will find that brand availability for Splenda in Europe is far from consistent across all countries.

Quick Summary

The sweetener sucralose is legally used throughout the EU, but the retail presence of the branded Splenda product is not consistent across all European nations. Canderel and other sweeteners are often more commonly found.

Key Points

Sucralose is EU-Approved: The main ingredient in Splenda (sucralose, or E955) is approved for consumption throughout the European Union.
Splenda Brand Availability Varies: The branded product 'Splenda' has inconsistent retail availability in Europe, being widely sold in the UK but less common elsewhere.
Common European Alternatives Exist: Sweetener brands like Canderel and stevia products are frequently found in European cafes and supermarkets.
Bring Your Own for Certainty: The most reliable way for travelers to ensure they have Splenda is to pack a supply from home.
Check for E955 or Order Online: Shoppers can look for the E-number 'E955' on product labels or order Splenda from online retailers that ship internationally.
Use Alternatives in Cafes: In cafes and restaurants, expect to be offered common local brands like Canderel, rather than Splenda.

Is Splenda's Sucralose Approved in Europe?

Before diving into brand availability, it's crucial to understand the regulatory status of sucralose, the active ingredient in Splenda. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved sucralose for use in the EU in 2004, where it is known by its E-number, E955. This means that sucralose is permitted for use in food and beverages throughout the Union. This includes countries like the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. The safety of sucralose has been confirmed by numerous regulatory bodies worldwide, and extensive testing has been conducted. The EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 15 mg per kg of body weight for sucralose.

Variable Brand Availability for Splenda in Europe

While the ingredient sucralose is widely approved, the brand name 'Splenda' does not have a uniform retail presence. Its availability can differ significantly depending on the country you visit. For instance, Splenda is very common in the United Kingdom, where it is readily available in major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda. However, traveler reports on forums and personal experiences suggest it is much harder to find in other European countries, including Spain, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In these regions, you might have to look specifically in larger stores or specialty shops, or you may find it is not stocked at all. In cafes and restaurants, you are more likely to be offered another brand, such as Canderel or saccharin.

Popular European Sweetener Alternatives

If you can't find Splenda, you'll have to rely on other common sweeteners available across Europe. Here are some of the most popular alternatives:

Canderel: Often the most prevalent sweetener found in cafes and supermarkets across many European countries. The formulation can vary; while some Canderel products use aspartame, others may contain sucralose or stevia.
Stevia (Steviol Glycosides E960): A natural, plant-derived sweetener that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Approved in the EU since 2011, it is commonly available in supermarkets.
Saccharin (E954): One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, often sold under brand names like Sweetex or Hermesetas. It is typically available in tablet form.
Aspartame (E951): Found in many diet sodas and as a tabletop sweetener. Canderel's traditional formulation is aspartame-based.
Erythritol (E968) and Xylitol (E967): These are sugar alcohols that are also approved and available, often marketed towards health-conscious or keto-diet consumers.

Comparison of Major Sweeteners in Europe


Feature	Splenda (Sucralose)	Canderel (Aspartame/Sucralose)	Stevia (Steviol Glycosides)
Primary Ingredient	Sucralose (E955)	Aspartame (E951), sometimes sucralose or stevia	Steviol Glycosides (E960)
Approval Status	Approved across EU since 2004.	Approved across EU.	Approved across EU since 2011.
Typical Form	Granulated, sachets, tablets.	Tablets, granulated.	Liquid drops, tablets, granules.
Heat Stability	Very heat-stable, suitable for cooking/baking. Note German BfR heating concerns.	Some aspartame products lose sweetness when heated, check label.	Heat-stable, suitable for baking.
EU Availability	Inconsistent. Common in UK, less so elsewhere.	Widespread, especially in cafes and supermarkets.	Increasing, available in most large supermarkets.

Practical Tips for Finding Splenda in Europe

If you absolutely prefer Splenda or need sucralose for specific dietary reasons, consider these practical tips for your European travels:

Bring Your Own: The most reliable way to ensure you have Splenda is to pack a box of sachets from home. It takes up very little space and guarantees you'll have your preferred sweetener wherever you go.
Check Major Supermarket Chains: In larger cities, you may have better luck finding Splenda in major international supermarket chains. The UK has a strong retail presence for Splenda, and some international food stores in other countries may carry it.
Look for 'Sucralose' (E955): When reading ingredient labels on food products or other sweetener brands, search for the E-number E955, or the name 'sucralose', to identify products containing the same ingredient.
Shop Online: For longer stays, you can order Splenda from online retailers like Amazon.co.uk or British Corner Shop, which offers worldwide shipping. This is a good option if you are in a country where it is not commonly stocked. Visit the official Splenda Europe website for information on products and retailers: www.splenda.eu.

Conclusion

Yes, the sweetener sucralose is legally approved and used across Europe, but travelers should not assume the Splenda brand will be readily available everywhere. While it's easy to find in the UK and some other specific retail locations, its presence is less common in continental Europe compared to brands like Canderel or other sweeteners like stevia. For peace of mind, especially for short trips, packing your own Splenda is the most reliable strategy. For longer stays, familiarizing yourself with local alternatives or ordering online provides excellent flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sucralose is not banned in Europe. It is approved as a food additive (E955) and has been deemed safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for consumption within the established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

Splenda is widely available in the United Kingdom. You can find it in major supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons, as well as on online platforms like Amazon.co.uk.

Splenda's lower availability in some countries is due to market presence and competition. Other brands like Canderel and different types of sweeteners may have a stronger local retail presence, leading to less shelf space for Splenda.

Canderel is a popular sweetener brand in Europe. While some products are based on aspartame, Canderel also offers stevia and sucralose options. It is a common alternative, but its taste profile may differ depending on the specific product.

Sucralose is generally heat-stable and suitable for baking. However, some regulatory bodies, such as the German BfR, have advised caution when heating sucralose to very high temperatures, suggesting a re-evaluation of its safety under such conditions.

In the European Union, sucralose is identified by the E-number E955. You can look for this number on the ingredients list of food and drink products to confirm the presence of sucralose.

If you rely specifically on the Splenda brand, it is highly recommended to bring your own supply. This is the most reliable way to ensure access to your preferred sweetener, as its retail availability is inconsistent outside of certain countries like the UK.

Stevia is a widely approved sweetener in the EU, and you can find products containing it in most large supermarkets. It is often sold under various brand names and is also available from online retailers.