How Many Calories Are In One Sweet N Low? The 'Zero' Label Explained

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) labeling regulations, a product can be labeled as having 'zero calories' if it contains fewer than 5 calories per serving. This crucial piece of information explains the surprising answer to the question: 'How many calories are in one sweet n low?'—it is not technically zero, but the number is so small that the law permits the 'zero-calorie' marketing.

Quick Summary

A single Sweet n Low packet contains fewer than 4 calories, which the FDA considers 'zero' for labeling purposes. The minimal calories come from the dextrose bulking agent, not the non-caloric saccharin sweetener itself.

Key Points

Less than 5 Calories: One Sweet'n Low packet contains fewer than 4 calories, allowing it to be legally labeled as 'zero-calorie' under FDA rules.
Contains Dextrose: The minor caloric content comes from dextrose, a sugar used as a bulking agent, not from the saccharin sweetener itself.
Saccharin is Calorie-Free: The primary sweetening ingredient, saccharin, is non-caloric and intensely sweeter than sugar.
Significant Calorie Savings: Replacing two teaspoons of sugar with a Sweet'n Low packet saves approximately 28 calories per serving.
Suitable for Diabetics: Sweet'n Low has a low glycemic index and does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a viable option for people with diabetes.
Liquid Version is Truly Zero: The liquid form of Sweet'n Low is genuinely calorie-free because it doesn't require a bulking agent.

The Hidden Truth Behind the 'Zero-Calorie' Label

The familiar pink packet of Sweet'n Low has been a staple in coffee shops and kitchens for decades, but the term 'zero-calorie' often leads to a misunderstanding of its true nutritional content. The active sweetener in Sweet'n Low is saccharin, an artificial substance with no caloric value. However, to provide the bulk needed for a granular product and to mimic the feel of sugar, the sweetener is combined with a bulking agent, which does contain calories. This is typically dextrose, a form of sugar derived from corn.

For most individual packets, the calorie count is around 3.6 to 4 calories. While this is a minuscule amount, it is not technically zero. The FDA's ruling allows manufacturers to round down the calorie count to zero if a single serving contains fewer than 5 calories, which Sweet'n Low packets do. Therefore, the 'zero-calorie' claim is an accurate legal statement but not a perfectly precise nutritional one.

Why Do Sweeteners Need Bulking Agents?

Saccharin, the primary sweetener in Sweet'n Low, is intensely sweet—hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. If used on its own, only a tiny, almost invisible amount would be needed to sweeten a cup of coffee. This would make it impossible for consumers to measure and use conveniently. Bulking agents like dextrose and calcium silicate are added for several key purposes:

To provide volume, making the product look and handle like granular sugar.
To ensure even distribution of the sweetener.
Calcium silicate also acts as an anti-caking agent to prevent clumping.

This blend ensures that one packet of Sweet'n Low can provide a sweetening effect equivalent to about two teaspoons of sugar, a familiar and convenient benchmark for consumers.

Sweet'n Low vs. Sugar: A Detailed Nutritional Comparison

To put the caloric content of Sweet'n Low into perspective, a side-by-side comparison with regular granulated sugar is useful. Each Sweet'n Low packet is designed to provide the sweetness of two teaspoons of sugar. Below is a comparison of the typical calorie and carbohydrate counts.


Nutrient	One Sweet'n Low Packet	Two Teaspoons of Sugar
Calories	< 4 calories	Approximately 32 calories
Carbohydrates	< 1 gram	Approximately 8.4 grams
Sugars	< 1 gram	Approximately 8.4 grams
Glycemic Index	Low	High
Dental Impact	Non-cariogenic	Can cause cavities

This comparison clearly illustrates why Sweet'n Low and other low-calorie sweeteners are popular alternatives for those managing their weight or blood sugar levels. The caloric and carbohydrate savings are significant, even with the presence of bulking agents.

Health Considerations and Applications

For many, the minimal calories in Sweet'n Low are completely negligible and do not impact health goals. Its use is prevalent among specific groups:

Individuals with Diabetes: Sweet'n Low has a low glycemic index and does not significantly impact blood sugar levels, making it a suitable sugar replacement for people with diabetes, with a physician's advice.
Weight Management: The substantial reduction in calories compared to sugar can be a useful tool for weight loss or maintenance. Replacing just a few daily packets of sugar with Sweet'n Low can add up to meaningful calorie savings over time.
General Health: For anyone looking to reduce their overall sugar intake, Sweet'n Low offers a simple way to satisfy a sweet tooth without the extra calories and potential negative dental effects associated with sugar.

The Variety of 'Zero-Calorie' Sweeteners

It's also helpful to note that Sweet'n Low is not the only option on the market, and not all alternative sweeteners are created equal. Sweet'n Low is saccharin-based, but others like Splenda (sucralose) and Equal (aspartame) are also popular. Sweet'n Low also comes in a liquid form, which contains absolutely zero calories because it does not require a dextrose-based bulking agent. This variety offers consumers different taste profiles and ingredient options to suit their preferences. For more information on Sweet'n Low's health and safety profile, you can visit the official website's health FAQ section.

Conclusion: A Clearer Picture of a 'Zero-Calorie' Product

While marketed as 'zero-calorie,' one packet of Sweet'n Low contains a very small amount of calories, less than four to be precise. The reason for this is the addition of dextrose, a caloric bulking agent necessary for a granular product that handles like sugar. The FDA's 'fewer than 5 calories per serving' rule allows this to be legally labeled as zero. For the vast majority of consumers, this negligible amount is insignificant. However, knowing the complete picture provides a clearer understanding of your dietary choices and the true science behind the products we use every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA allows products with fewer than 5 calories per serving to be labeled as 'zero calories.' A single Sweet'n Low packet, which is the serving size, contains less than four calories, so it meets this legal requirement.

The small number of calories comes from the bulking agent, typically dextrose, that is added to the packet. The actual sweetener, saccharin, contains no calories.

Yes, the liquid version of Sweet'n Low is truly zero-calorie. It does not require a bulking agent like dextrose, meaning there are no additional calories added to the product.

Yes, Sweet'n Low is suitable for people with diabetes. It has a low glycemic index and does not affect blood sugar levels. However, it is always recommended to consult a physician for personalized dietary advice.

One single packet of Sweet'n Low is designed to provide the equivalent sweetness of two teaspoons of granulated sugar.

Yes, Sweet'n Low can be used for baking. However, since it doesn't provide the same bulk as sugar, many recipes suggest replacing only half the sugar with a Sweet'n Low equivalent to maintain proper texture and volume.

The main ingredients in Sweet'n Low packets are saccharin (the sweetener), dextrose (a bulking agent), and calcium silicate (an anti-caking agent).

If you use a large number of Sweet'n Low packets, the calories could add up, but for typical use in a few beverages per day, the caloric intake is insignificant. For example, ten packets would amount to fewer than 40 calories.