Understanding Nutrition and Diet: What kind of sugar is in skinny syrups?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official manufacturer, standard Skinny Syrups contain zero grams of sugar, which leads many to wonder: what kind of sugar is in skinny syrups? These popular flavor enhancers achieve their sweetness through sugar substitutes rather than traditional table sugar. The specific sweeteners used vary depending on the product line, offering both artificial and naturally sweetened options for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

Skinny Syrups are sweetened using non-nutritive alternatives, including sucralose and acesulfame potassium in their classic formula, while their 'Naturally Sweetened' line utilizes a blend of stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol. The choice of sweetener affects taste profile and dietary compatibility for keto and low-carb diets.

Key Points

Standard Skinny Syrups use Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium: These are zero-calorie, artificial sweeteners providing intense sweetness without affecting blood sugar.
Naturally Sweetened Syrups feature Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Erythritol: These syrups use a blend of plant-based and sugar-alcohol sweeteners instead of artificial ones.
Skinny Syrups have zero calories and zero sugar: The use of sugar substitutes means both product lines offer a guilt-free way to add flavor to beverages and foods.
Both versions are Keto and Diabetic-Friendly: Due to the absence of sugar and carbs, these syrups are suitable for low-carb and diabetic diets.
Potential Digestive Side Effects: High consumption of sugar alcohols like erythritol can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues like bloating.
Consider the impact on gut health: Some studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may affect the gut microbiome, requiring a mindful approach to consumption.

The Primary Sweeteners in Standard Skinny Syrups

For decades, sugar-free products have relied on artificial sweeteners to replicate the taste of sugar without the calories. In the case of Jordan's Skinny Syrups, the primary sweetener found in their classic syrups is sucralose.

Sucralose (E955): A zero-calorie artificial sweetener derived from sugar. During its creation, three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule are replaced with chlorine atoms, making it 600 times sweeter than sucrose. The body does not metabolize most sucralose, so it passes through without providing calories.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Often used in conjunction with sucralose to create a more rounded flavor profile, acesulfame potassium is another calorie-free sugar substitute. It is also highly stable and does not impact blood sugar levels.

The 'Naturally Sweetened' Alternative

Recognizing a growing demand for options free from artificial additives, the brand introduced a "Naturally Sweetened" line of syrups. Instead of sucralose, these products feature a blend of plant-derived and sugar-alcohol-based sweeteners.

Stevia: This is a natural, non-caloric sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and is known for its intense sweetness and heat stability.
Monk Fruit: Another plant-based, calorie-free sweetener, monk fruit extract is known for its clean, sugary taste without the bitter aftertaste associated with some other alternatives.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and fermented foods, though it is produced commercially for sweeteners. Erythritol has a very low caloric value and does not spike blood sugar, making it a popular choice for ketogenic and diabetic-friendly products.

Other Common Ingredients and Their Functions

Beyond the primary sweeteners, both types of Skinny Syrups contain a host of other ingredients that contribute to their texture, flavor, and shelf-life.

Water: The base liquid for the syrups.
Cellulose Gum: A thickener derived from cellulose that gives the syrup its satisfying consistency.
Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are added to provide the wide range of flavor options, from vanilla to caramel.
Preservatives (Sodium Benzoate & Potassium Sorbate): Used to prevent microbial growth and ensure a long shelf life.

Comparing Sweeteners in Skinny Syrups

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the sweeteners used in the two main types of Skinny Syrups.


Feature	Standard Skinny Syrups	Naturally Sweetened Skinny Syrups
Primary Sweeteners	Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium	Stevia, Monk Fruit, Erythritol
Sweetener Type	Artificial	Blend of Natural and Sugar Alcohol
Taste Profile	Intensely sweet, can have a slight aftertaste for some	Clean taste, can have a cooling effect due to erythritol
Caloric Value	Zero Calories	Zero Calories
Diet Compatibility	Keto-friendly, Diabetic-friendly	Keto-friendly, Diabetic-friendly
Key Ingredients	Water, Sucralose, Ace-K, Flavorings, Preservatives	Water, Erythritol, Stevia, Monk Fruit, Natural Flavorings

Considerations for Your Diet and Health

While Skinny Syrups offer a way to enjoy sweet flavors with zero calories, it is important to consider the potential effects of sugar substitutes on your overall health. Some studies have investigated how artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners may affect the body.

Impact on Blood Sugar: For those with diabetes, these syrups are generally considered a safe way to add sweetness without affecting blood glucose levels significantly. However, some conflicting research on the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners warrants further investigation.
Gut Health: Artificial sweeteners like sucralose may impact the gut microbiome, though more research is needed to understand the long-term effects in humans fully. Sugar alcohols like erythritol can cause digestive upset, such as bloating and gas, when consumed in large quantities.
Weight Management: Replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with zero-calorie alternatives can reduce overall calorie intake and assist with weight loss. However, relying too heavily on intensely sweet flavors may perpetuate sugar cravings.

The Final Word

Ultimately, the choice between standard Skinny Syrups and the naturally sweetened versions comes down to personal preference and health considerations. Standard syrups use well-researched artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Naturally sweetened products use plant-based and sugar-alcohol blends. Both offer a zero-calorie, zero-sugar option for flavoring foods and drinks on a low-carb or keto diet. The most important nutritional takeaway is to focus on a balanced diet and use these syrups in moderation, listening to your body's response to the ingredients. When making any significant dietary change, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have an underlying health condition. EWG's Food Scores can also provide insights into specific ingredients for those who are particularly concerned about additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard Skinny Syrups contain zero grams of sugar. They are sweetened with calorie-free sugar substitutes like sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made from a chemical process that starts with regular sugar. Regulatory authorities like the FDA consider it safe for consumption, though long-term health effects are still a subject of research.

The "Naturally Sweetened" line of Skinny Syrups uses a blend of stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol for sweetness, rather than artificial alternatives.

No, because the sweeteners used in Skinny Syrups are not metabolized by the body as sugar, they have virtually no effect on blood sugar levels and are suitable for diabetics.

Some people may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, from sugar alcohols like erythritol, which are present in the naturally sweetened versions.

Yes, all Skinny Syrups are keto-friendly, containing zero carbs and zero sugar, which helps maintain the state of ketosis.

Yes, some versions of Skinny Syrups contain artificial colors, such as FD&C Yellow #5, which have been linked to health concerns like behavioral issues in some individuals.