Tag: Equal

According to a 2023 WebMD article, sucralose (the sweetener in Splenda) is made from real sugar and is generally preferred for its more authentic, sugar-like taste. However, the choice of what sugar is better, Splenda or Equal, requires a deeper look into their distinct chemical compositions and ideal uses.

The color-coded packets found on most restaurant tables are a universal key to their contents, with the blue packet signaling a specific type of sugar substitute. At establishments like Olive Garden, the blue packet is not sugar at all, but a zero-calorie artificial sweetener known as Equal, which contains aspartame.

According to the FDA, aspartame, the chemical compound in the blue packets of fake sugar, is considered safe for the general population, with its usage supported by decades of scientific review. Widely recognized by its color-coded packaging, the blue fake sugar, or aspartame, is a common sugar alternative for many people, especially those managing calorie intake or blood sugar levels.

According to the common color-coding for artificial sweeteners, the color of the packet indicates the type of sweetener inside. It is a frequent misconception that yellow Equal and Splenda are the same product, but this is a mistake based on packaging color rather than the actual chemical composition.

While both are popular sugar substitutes, a common misconception is that aspartame and Splenda are identical. This is incorrect, as they are chemically distinct artificial sweeteners with different properties and compositions.

Despite being marketed as a zero-calorie product, a single packet of Equal sweetener actually contains a small amount of carbohydrates—specifically, less than one gram. This minimal carb content is due to the bulking agents used to make the potent sweetener measurable, which is a key consideration for individuals closely monitoring their intake, especially those following a ketogenic diet or managing diabetes.

Aspartame, the primary sweetener in Equal, has undergone more than 40 years of regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other global health bodies. These extensive assessments consistently conclude its safety for the general population within acceptable daily intake levels.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sucralose is approximately 600 times sweeter than table sugar, while aspartame is about 200 times sweeter, but are sucralose and aspartame the same beyond their uses as sugar alternatives? These two popular sugar substitutes are fundamentally different in their chemical makeup, properties, and health considerations.

According to the National Institutes of Health, artificial sweeteners like Equal and Splenda are used widely as sugar substitutes to help reduce calorie and sugar intake. The choice between them, however, depends on key differences in their chemical makeup, taste profile, and uses. For consumers, understanding these distinctions is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with their dietary goals and health considerations.

Discovered in 1965, aspartame has become a widely-used artificial sweetener, found in over 5,000 foods and drinks marketed as 'sugar-free' or 'diet'. This guide offers an overview of which artificial sweeteners contain aspartame, how it's identified, and its regulatory status.