Does Splenda have zero carbs? The surprising truth for low-carb diets

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

According to FDA regulations, a product can be labeled 'zero-calorie' or 'zero carb' if it contains less than 5 calories or 1 gram of carbs per serving. This is why the answer to the question 'does Splenda have zero carbs?' isn't as simple as it seems for those watching their intake closely.

Quick Summary

Splenda packets contain trace amounts of carbs from bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose, which allows them to be labeled 'zero' per serving under FDA rules. Liquid versions are genuinely zero carb. The distinction is vital for strict low-carb dieters, including those on a keto regimen, where every gram can count.

Key Points

Not Zero Carb: Splenda packets contain trace carbohydrates from bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose.
FDA Labeling Rules: A product can be labeled 'zero carb' if it has less than 1 gram of carbs per serving, which is why Splenda packets qualify.
Liquid Splenda is Different: Liquid versions of Splenda typically do not contain fillers and are a true zero-carb option.
Important for Keto: For strict low-carb or keto diets, the trace carbs in packets can add up, making liquid alternatives a better choice.
Minimal Blood Sugar Impact: While the fillers in packets are carbs, the overall effect on blood sugar is negligible for most, but some studies show conflicting results on insulin sensitivity.
Product Variety: Splenda offers various products, including keto-specific ones with zero net carbs from sweeteners like erythritol.

The Hidden Carbs in Splenda Packets

While the primary sweetening ingredient in Splenda, sucralose, is calorie-free and carb-free, it is an incredibly potent sweetener. The minuscule amount needed to sweeten a food or drink is too small to be used on its own. To give it bulk and make it measure and pour like sugar, manufacturers add bulking agents. In Splenda packets, these agents are dextrose and maltodextrin, both of which are carbohydrates.

Dextrose: A simple sugar that adds bulk and a negligible number of calories and carbs to each packet.
Maltodextrin: A carbohydrate derived from corn, rice, or potato starch that also acts as a bulking agent. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it can potentially cause a small rise in blood sugar.

Each packet of Splenda contains approximately 0.9 grams of carbohydrates from these fillers. Under FDA guidelines, any food with less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per serving can be legally rounded down and labeled as zero. For most people using only one or two packets, this amount is insignificant. However, for those on very strict low-carb or ketogenic diets, these small amounts can accumulate throughout the day.

Why Liquid Splenda Is a True Zero-Carb Option

Unlike the packets, liquid Splenda products are a better option for those strictly avoiding carbs. They generally contain only sucralose, water, and preservatives, without the need for the bulking agents used in the powdered form. This makes them a true zero-carb and zero-calorie option, ideal for strict low-carb and keto dieters. Since there are no filler ingredients, there is no risk of consuming hidden carbohydrates that could potentially affect ketosis or blood sugar levels.

Splenda for Low-Carb and Keto Diets

Choosing the right Splenda product is critical for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The small number of carbs in the packets can accumulate over time, potentially impacting a person's state of ketosis.

Can Splenda Kick You Out of Ketosis?

For someone adhering to a very low-carb intake (e.g., under 20g per day), using multiple Splenda packets can contribute a notable percentage of their daily carb limit. The maltodextrin has a high glycemic index, which could theoretically cause a small rise in blood sugar, although for most, the amount is too small to have a significant effect. Liquid Splenda and other keto-specific Splenda products, which use alternative sweeteners like erythritol and allulose, are explicitly formulated to have zero net carbs and avoid this issue.

Splenda vs. Other Zero-Carb Sweeteners

Splenda is just one of many zero-calorie sweeteners on the market, but its composition varies depending on the product. Here's a quick comparison:


Feature	Splenda (Packets)	Liquid Splenda	Erythritol (e.g., Swerve)	Stevia (Pure)
Carbs Per Serving	Approx. 0.9g	0g	0g Net Carbs	0g Net Carbs
Key Ingredients	Sucralose, Dextrose, Maltodextrin	Sucralose, Water, Preservatives	Erythritol	Steviol Glycosides
Glycemic Impact	Very low to negligible	None	None	None
Best For	Casual use	Strict keto/low-carb	Baking/Cooking	Drinks/Sauces
Packaging	Packets	Squeeze bottle	Powder/Granules	Powder/Drops

Blood Sugar and Insulin Effects

Most studies suggest that pure sucralose has little to no effect on blood sugar or insulin levels in healthy adults. However, some conflicting studies have raised questions, particularly regarding a potential effect on insulin sensitivity in some individuals. The fillers in the packet form, dextrose and maltodextrin, are carbohydrates and can affect blood sugar, but the quantity per packet is very small. For most people with diabetes, Splenda is considered safe and is a popular sugar alternative. As with any dietary change, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels and consult a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Splenda Carbs

Does Splenda have zero carbs? The definitive answer depends on the product form. While the popular yellow packets contain a trace amount of carbohydrates from bulking agents, the amount is legally negligible under food labeling laws. For a true zero-carb option, consumers should opt for liquid Splenda or the company's newer keto-friendly granulated products that use alternative zero-carb sweeteners. For the average user, the difference is moot, but for strict low-carb and ketogenic dieters, this distinction is critical for maintaining their dietary goals. By understanding the ingredients, consumers can make an informed choice that best suits their health and nutritional needs.

Learn more about sucralose and its use in Splenda products from reliable sources like Healthline: Sucralose (Splenda): Good or Bad?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Splenda packets contain trace amounts of carbohydrates from bulking agents, specifically dextrose and maltodextrin. These fillers are necessary to make the product measure and pour like sugar, as the actual sweetening ingredient, sucralose, is extremely potent and only a tiny amount is needed.

Yes, liquid Splenda products are typically carb-free. They do not contain the bulking agents found in the packets and are therefore a better option for those seeking a true zero-carb sweetener.

For most people consuming only one or two packets, the trace carbs in Splenda are unlikely to affect ketosis. However, for those on a very strict keto diet, consuming multiple packets could contribute to their daily carb count. Liquid Splenda or other keto-specific versions with zero net carbs are a safer bet.

Splenda can be labeled 'zero carb' because of FDA labeling regulations. Any serving containing less than 1 gram of carbohydrates can be rounded down to zero on the nutrition label. A single packet contains about 0.9 grams of carbs.

No, the artificial sweetener sucralose, which is the main sweetening component in Splenda, contains no carbohydrates. The carbs present in Splenda packets come from the added dextrose and maltodextrin.

No, not all Splenda products are zero carb. While liquid and certain keto-specific sweeteners are, the original granulated packets and baking blends contain varying amounts of carbohydrates from their fillers. Always check the nutrition label for the specific product.

Studies on sucralose's effect on blood sugar and insulin levels have had mixed results, but for most people, the effect is negligible. However, individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose and consult their doctor, as the fillers in the packets are carbs and could have a slight effect.