Tag: Synthetic sweeteners

Aspartame is an artificial, not a natural, sweetener, despite its component amino acids being found naturally. It is a methyl ester of a dipeptide that is synthesized through a chemical or enzymatic process. This distinction is crucial for understanding how aspartame differs from sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, which are derived directly from plant sources.

The use of artificial sweeteners has grown exponentially over the past few decades, driven by increasing consumer demand for low-sugar and diet products. Often found in diet sodas, sugar-free candies, and baked goods, these compounds are known by several different names, which can sometimes cause confusion for consumers. Understanding the various names for artificial sugar can help you better navigate ingredient lists and make informed choices about the products you consume.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several high-intensity sweeteners are approved for use as food additives, often going by the names of artificial sweeteners or non-nutritive sweeteners. Knowing what are synthetic sugars called can help consumers make informed dietary choices, especially when looking for low-calorie alternatives to table sugar.