Does Zero Sugar Mean No Artificial Sweeteners?

November 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, products labeled 'zero sugar' or 'sugar-free' can still contain artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. This critical distinction surprises many consumers who assume these terms mean a product is free of all sugar substitutes.

Quick Summary

The term 'zero sugar' or 'sugar-free' does not guarantee the absence of artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, which manufacturers use to replicate sweetness without calories. Understanding food labeling and ingredient lists is essential to identify the specific sweeteners used in products.

Key Points

Zero sugar doesn't mean unsweetened: Products labeled 'zero sugar' contain less than 0.5g of sugar per serving but almost always include artificial or natural zero-calorie sweeteners for flavor.
Artificial sweeteners are common in zero-sugar products: High-intensity sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium are widely used to replace sugar in diet beverages and foods.
'No added sugar' differs from 'zero sugar': 'No added sugar' means no extra sugar was added during processing, but naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruit juice) may still be present.
Natural sweeteners can be used: Plant-derived zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract are also used in zero-sugar products, especially those marketed as 'natural'.
Reading ingredient lists is essential: To know for certain what sweeteners are in a product, consumers must look beyond the headline claim and read the full ingredient list.
Sugar alcohols are also used as sweeteners: Ingredients like erythritol and xylitol can be found in 'sugar-free' products, and excessive consumption may cause digestive upset for some individuals.

Decoding the Label: 'Zero Sugar' vs. 'No Added Sugar'

Navigating food labels can be a confusing task, especially when marketing terms like 'zero sugar' and 'no added sugar' are used interchangeably by consumers. However, regulatory bodies like the FDA have specific definitions for these claims, which have significant implications for a product's ingredient list. A 'zero sugar' or 'sugar-free' label means the product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. To achieve a sweet taste without this small amount of sugar, manufacturers often turn to high-intensity artificial sweeteners.

In contrast, 'no added sugar' is a more straightforward claim, indicating that no sugar or sugar-containing ingredient has been added during processing. This doesn't mean the final product is sugar-free. Foods with naturally occurring sugars, such as fruit juices or dairy, can still be labeled 'no added sugar.' While artificial sweeteners can be used in 'no added sugar' products, the phrase focuses solely on the manufacturing process, not the overall sugar content.

The Rise of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners, or non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), are significantly sweeter than table sugar but contain few to no calories. Their intense sweetness allows manufacturers to use a minimal amount to achieve a desired flavor profile. This makes them a popular choice for 'zero sugar' and diet products aimed at weight management or controlling blood sugar levels. For instance, a diet soda labeled 'zero sugar' typically relies on a blend of artificial sweeteners to provide its familiar sweetness.

Aspartame: One of the most common artificial sweeteners, approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Often used in sodas, yogurt, and chewing gum.
Sucralose: Derived from sucrose and up to 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is heat-stable, making it suitable for baked goods and other processed foods.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A heat-stable sweetener often used in combination with other artificial sweeteners. It is roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar.
Saccharin: One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, known for its strong sweetness and sometimes metallic aftertaste.

Exploring Natural and Plant-Based Alternatives

Beyond artificial sweeteners, some products use naturally derived, calorie-free options. These include stevia and monk fruit extract, which come from plants.

Stevia: Extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant, stevia is a zero-calorie, natural sweetener that is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. It has gained popularity as a 'natural' alternative for those avoiding artificial additives.
Monk Fruit Extract: Also a plant-based, zero-calorie sweetener derived from the monk fruit. Like stevia, it's used in many naturally-focused, 'zero sugar' products.

Comparison of Common Sweeteners in 'Zero Sugar' Products


Sweetener Type	Examples	Source	Calories	Aftertaste	Common Use	Contains Sugar?
Artificial	Aspartame, Sucralose, Ace-K	Synthetic compounds	Zero	Varies (sometimes metallic)	Diet drinks, yogurts, gum	No (but replaces sugar)
Natural	Stevia, Monk Fruit	Plant-derived	Zero	Varies (some report licorice-like)	'Naturally sweetened' products	No
Sugar Alcohols	Erythritol, Sorbitol, Xylitol	Carbohydrates (polyols)	Reduced	Cooling sensation	Sugar-free candy, gum	No (but can affect blood sugar)
Unsweetened	Fruit purées	Naturally occurring	Varies	None	Unsweetened applesauce, almond milk	Yes (natural sugars)

The Importance of Reading the Ingredient List

To know for sure what a 'zero sugar' product contains, you must look beyond the front label and read the ingredient list. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, including specific artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols used. This allows consumers to make informed decisions based on their health goals or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you are specifically trying to avoid aspartame, you should check the ingredient list of any 'zero sugar' product. Similarly, people sensitive to sugar alcohols like erythritol, which can cause digestive issues in large amounts, need to be aware of their presence.

Conclusion

In summary, the assumption that 'zero sugar' means a product contains no artificial sweeteners is incorrect. This label simply denotes that the product has less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, and manufacturers frequently use artificial or natural, zero-calorie sweeteners to maintain a sweet taste. Consumers aiming to avoid all sugar substitutes must carefully read the ingredient list to identify the specific sweeteners used. By understanding the differences between terms like 'zero sugar,' 'no added sugar,' and 'unsweetened,' and recognizing common artificial and natural sweetener names, individuals can make dietary choices that align with their health preferences.

Understanding food labels can be complex, but authoritative organizations like the FDA provide guidance on what these terms mean in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

For labeling purposes, 'zero sugar' and 'sugar-free' are legally synonymous, both indicating the product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.

Products labeled 'zero sugar' taste sweet because manufacturers use high-intensity sugar substitutes, such as artificial sweeteners like aspartame or natural ones like stevia, to mimic the flavor of sugar without the calories.

Not necessarily. 'No added sugar' simply means no extra sugar was added during processing, but the product could be sweetened with naturally occurring sugars (like lactose in milk), or it could also contain artificial sweeteners.

The only way to know for sure is to read the ingredient list on the product label. All sweeteners, artificial or natural, must be listed.

No, sugar alcohols (or polyols) are a different class of carbohydrate-based sweeteners, which include ingredients like erythritol and xylitol. They provide a sweet taste and have a lower caloric impact than sugar.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA have approved common artificial sweeteners for use. However, some health concerns and ongoing research exist, so consumers should be informed and follow dietary guidelines.

Yes, products labeled 'unsweetened,' like plain almond milk or tea, contain no added sugars, no artificial sweeteners, and no sugar alcohols, though they may contain naturally occurring sugars from their base ingredients.