Does Splenda have sorbitol or sugar? An ingredient breakdown
Understanding the components of popular sugar substitutes can be confusing. While some people know that Splenda is often used as a sugar alternative, they are unsure about its specific ingredients and how it differs from other sweeteners. The primary sweetening agent in Splenda is sucralose, a high-intensity artificial sweetener. However, the packets or granulated forms also contain other ingredients for volume and texture, which is where the confusion often lies.
What is in original Splenda?
For consumers using the yellow packets or granulated products, the full ingredient list is key to understanding the product. The main ingredients in original Splenda are:
- Sucralose: This is the core sweetening ingredient. Sucralose is a zero-calorie, high-intensity artificial sweetener made by chemically modifying a sugar molecule. This process replaces certain hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar with chlorine atoms, preventing the body from metabolizing it as a carbohydrate.
- Dextrose: A simple sugar derived from corn. It is added as a bulking agent to provide volume, since sucralose is so much sweeter than sugar that only a tiny amount is needed.
- Maltodextrin: A carbohydrate also made from corn. Like dextrose, it serves as a bulking agent and is not broken down by the body in the same way as regular sugar.
Because dextrose and maltodextrin are used as fillers, a single packet of Splenda does contain a negligible amount of carbohydrates and calories, but it is still legally classified as "zero calorie" in the US due to the small serving size.
The difference between sucralose and sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol), a different class of sweetener entirely from sucralose. While Splenda does not contain sorbitol, it is helpful to understand the difference between these two substances.
The key distinctions:
- Chemical makeup: Sucralose is a chlorinated sucralose molecule, while sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits.
- Digestion: Most ingested sucralose is not absorbed by the body, passing through unchanged. Sorbitol, on the other hand, is partially absorbed and metabolized, and can cause gastrointestinal distress in larger quantities.
- Sweetness level: Sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. Sorbitol is only about 60% as sweet as sugar.
- Usage: Sucralose is widely used in many food products and is stable for cooking and baking. Sorbitol is often used in chewing gum, hard candies, and other processed foods where its bulk and moisture-retaining properties are useful.
Comparison Table: Splenda (Sucralose) vs. Sugar vs. Sorbitol
| Feature | Original Splenda (Sucralose) | Table Sugar (Sucrose) | Sorbitol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetening Agent | Sucralose | Sucrose | Sorbitol |
| Calorie Content | Zero-calorie (tiny amounts from fillers) | About 16 calories per teaspoon | About 2.6 calories per gram (about half of sugar) |
| Derived From | Sugar (chemically modified) | Sugar cane or sugar beets | Fruits, or produced from corn syrup |
| Effect on Blood Sugar | Does not significantly affect blood sugar | Causes blood sugar to rise | Can raise blood sugar, but to a lesser extent than sugar |
| Aftertaste | Generally no aftertaste | No aftertaste | Can be bitter in large amounts |
| Digestive Effects | No significant effect at moderate levels | No significant effect | Can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea in large amounts |
| Classification | Artificial Sweetener | Sugar | Sugar Alcohol (Polyol) |
Conclusion
In summary, the original Splenda sweetener does not contain sorbitol or sugar. Its sweetening power comes from sucralose, a compound derived from sugar but chemically altered so the body cannot metabolize it as a carbohydrate. The powder form of Splenda includes bulking agents like dextrose and maltodextrin to provide texture, but these contribute a negligible amount of calories. Sorbitol, a different type of sweetener known as a sugar alcohol, is not an ingredient in Splenda. For those seeking to manage calorie or sugar intake, Splenda offers a viable option with a distinct ingredient profile from both sugar and other sugar alcohols.
For more information on different types of sweeteners and their effects, you can visit the FDA's official page on sweeteners.
