How many calories are in Equal zero calorie sweetener?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

By law, products can be labeled as having zero calories if they contain less than five calories per serving. This is the key reason why Equal can be called a 'zero calorie' sweetener, even though its bulking agents contribute a minimal, negligible amount of energy per packet.

Quick Summary

Equal sweeteners are labeled zero-calorie due to FDA rounding rules, as the high-intensity sweeteners combined with bulking agents result in less than five calories per packet.

Key Points

FDA Rounding Rules: Equal's zero-calorie label is based on FDA regulations that allow products with less than 5 calories per serving to be rounded to zero.
Bulking Agents Add Calories: Ingredients like dextrose and maltodextrin are used to give Equal packets volume and do contribute a minimal caloric count.
High-Intensity Sweeteners are the Core: Aspartame and acesulfame potassium provide the sweet taste without significant calories due to their high potency.
Safety is Confirmed: Decades of research by bodies like the FDA have confirmed the safety of Equal's ingredients for the general population within acceptable daily limits.
Diabetics Can Use It: Equal is appropriate for diabetics as its impact on blood glucose levels is minimal, though overall diet should always be considered.
Role in Weight Management is Debated: While replacing sugar with Equal can reduce calories, some studies question its long-term effectiveness for weight loss.

The Science Behind the 'Zero' Calorie Label

Many consumers are confused by the label 'zero calorie' on Equal and other artificial sweeteners, especially when they see carbohydrates listed on the nutrition panel. The explanation lies in food labeling regulations. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific guidelines allowing products to be labeled 'zero calorie' if they contain fewer than five calories per serving. A single packet of Equal contains a tiny amount of high-intensity sweeteners, aspartame and acesulfame potassium, which are 200 times sweeter than sugar. To make this potent powder measurable for consumers and provide the texture of sugar, Equal includes bulking agents like dextrose and maltodextrin. These carbohydrates do contain calories, but the total amount in a single packet (roughly 1 gram) is so minute that it falls below the FDA's 5-calorie threshold and is rounded down to zero.

Equal's Ingredients and Their Calorie Contribution

The composition of Equal varies slightly depending on its form (packets, tablets, bulk). The bulk of the product's volume and negligible caloric content comes from the bulking agents, not the sweeteners themselves.

Aspartame and Acesulfame Potassium: The Powerful Sweeteners

Aspartame and acesulfame potassium are the primary sweetening ingredients in Equal. Aspartame is derived from two amino acids, and while it technically contains calories, it is so intensely sweet that only a tiny amount is needed, making its caloric contribution negligible. Acesulfame potassium is not metabolized by the body and is essentially calorie-free. It is often blended with aspartame to improve the taste profile.

Dextrose and Maltodextrin: The Bulking Agents

Equal packets and spoonfuls use dextrose and maltodextrin, both carbohydrates derived from corn, as bulking agents. Equal tablets, in contrast, use lactose as their main filler. These fillers are what contribute the small, rounded-off calories. They are necessary to give the product physical volume and to ensure it pours and measures correctly, as the pure sweeteners would be far too concentrated to use effectively.

Comparison of Equal Products


Product Form	Primary Sweetener(s)	Bulking Agent(s)	Calories per Serving	Note
Equal Packets	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	Dextrose with Maltodextrin	0 (rounded)	Less than 1g carb per packet
Equal Tablets	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	Lactose (from milk)	0 (rounded)	0 carbs per tablet
Equal Spoonful	Aspartame, Acesulfame Potassium	Maltodextrin	0 (rounded)	0g carbs per serving

Controversies and Safety of Equal

Aspartame, Equal's main sweetener, has faced long-standing controversy and widespread myths, primarily spread online. However, its safety has been affirmed by numerous international health organizations and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after decades of extensive testing. Regulatory bodies have established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) level for safe consumption. A warning label regarding phenylalanine is required on products containing aspartame to inform individuals with the rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU), who cannot metabolize this amino acid.

How This Affects Diabetics and Weight Management

For individuals with diabetes, Equal offers a way to enjoy a sweet taste without significantly affecting blood glucose levels, provided the product is used in moderation. The minimal carbohydrate content from bulking agents is typically not enough to impact blood sugar, but a balanced diet and consultation with a healthcare provider are always recommended.

The role of artificial sweeteners in weight loss is a more complex topic. While replacing high-calorie sugar with a negligible-calorie alternative like Equal can reduce overall caloric intake, some observational studies suggest a link between artificial sweetener consumption and weight gain. A 2023 guideline from the World Health Organization (WHO) even recommends not using non-sugar sweeteners for weight control, citing that they do not provide long-term benefits in reducing body fat. However, other studies indicate a beneficial effect when switching from sugar-sweetened to artificially sweetened beverages. This area of research continues to evolve, and the overall impact likely depends on individual dietary patterns and compensation behaviors.

For more information on the safety of aspartame and other sweeteners, the FDA provides comprehensive resources on its website: Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Equal's Calories

In summary, Equal zero calorie sweetener is not completely calorie-free from a purely chemical standpoint, as its bulking agents contain carbohydrates that have caloric value. However, the FDA's rounding rules allow it to be legally and accurately labeled as 'zero calorie' because the amount per serving is negligible, well under the five-calorie limit. For the average consumer using one or two packets, the calorie intake is virtually zero. However, those consuming large quantities or bulk versions should be aware that a minimal number of calories are present. Ultimately, Equal remains a useful tool for reducing sugar intake, particularly for diabetics, but it should be viewed within the context of an overall healthy, balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Equal's 'zero calorie' claim is based on FDA regulations. The bulking agents (like dextrose) in a single packet contribute a tiny number of calories (less than 5), which the FDA allows to be rounded down to zero for labeling purposes.

Equal packets contain dextrose and maltodextrin. Equal tablets use lactose instead. These are carbohydrates that add bulk to make the concentrated sweetening ingredients measurable for consumers.

Yes, major health authorities like the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority have confirmed the safety of aspartame based on extensive research. Its safety has been reviewed for decades.

For individuals with diabetes, Equal products typically do not raise blood sugar levels, especially when used in moderation to replace sugar. However, it's always best to consider the impact of other ingredients and consult a healthcare provider.

While replacing sugar with Equal can reduce caloric intake, the impact on weight loss is debated. Some studies show a benefit, but the WHO has cautioned against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight management.

The warning is for people with the rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria (PKU). Since aspartame is broken down into the amino acid phenylalanine, which they cannot properly metabolize, a warning is required by law.

No. The standard Equal packets and spoonfuls use dextrose and maltodextrin as fillers, while the tablets use lactose. Always check the ingredient list for the specific product.