What Do They Use to Sweeten Sparkling Ice? A Deep Dive into Sucralose and Ace-K

January 1, 2026 •

2 min read

Sparkling Ice beverages are a popular zero-calorie alternative to sugary sodas, but have you ever wondered how they achieve their sweet flavor profile? The secret lies in a blend of artificial, high-intensity sweeteners, primarily sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which provide sweetness without the added calories. These sweeteners work synergistically to create a pleasant, sugar-like taste that many consumers enjoy.

Quick Summary

Sparkling Ice uses a combination of sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to create its sweet, zero-calorie taste profile. These non-nutritive, high-intensity artificial sweeteners are significantly sweeter than sugar, and together, they mask any potential aftertaste.

Key Points

Sucralose and Ace-K: Sparkling Ice is sweetened with a combination of sucralose and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), two high-intensity, zero-calorie artificial sweeteners.
Synergistic Sweetness: The sweeteners are blended to create a balanced, sugar-like flavor profile, with Ace-K masking the aftertaste that might be present if sucralose were used alone.
No Calorie or Sugar Content: As non-nutritive sweeteners, sucralose and Ace-K provide flavor without contributing calories or sugar, making Sparkling Ice a zero-calorie beverage.
FDA Approved: Both sucralose and acesulfame potassium have been extensively studied and are approved for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ongoing Debate: Despite regulatory approval, the long-term health effects of artificial sweeteners continue to be a subject of ongoing debate and research, with some studies suggesting potential impacts on gut health.
Moderation is Key: Experts generally recommend consuming artificially sweetened beverages in moderation and prioritizing plain water for daily hydration.

The Core Sweeteners in Sparkling Ice

Sparkling Ice's signature sweetness comes from two specific artificial, or non-nutritive, sweeteners confirmed on the ingredient list: sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Understanding these components is key to understanding the beverage.

Sucralose: A Zero-Calorie Sweetener

Sucralose, derived from sugar, undergoes a chemical process making it non-caloric as it passes through the body largely unabsorbed. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, about 600 times as sweet. Sucralose is known for its heat stability and a taste profile that is clean and sugar-like, with minimal aftertaste.

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A Common Companion Sweetener

Acesulfame potassium, or Ace-K, is another widely used zero-calorie artificial sweetener. About 200 times sweeter than sugar, Ace-K can have a slightly bitter aftertaste when used alone, which is why it's often blended with other sweeteners. The body rapidly absorbs and excretes Ace-K unchanged.

Why Blend Sucralose and Ace-K?

The combination of sucralose and Ace-K in Sparkling Ice is strategic. This blend creates a more balanced and appealing sweetness profile than either sweetener might achieve alone. The combination helps to mask the potential aftertaste of Ace-K, resulting in a flavor closer to that of sugar. Furthermore, blending can be a cost-effective approach compared to using a higher concentration of a single, more expensive sweetener.

Other Ingredients

Sparkling Ice also includes ingredients that contribute to its overall taste, texture, and shelf life:

Citric Acid: Adds tanginess and acts as a preservative.
Natural Flavors: Provide the distinct fruit tastes.
Maltodextrin: Enhances texture and sweetness slightly.
Potassium Benzoate: Functions as a preservative.
Vitamins: Some varieties are fortified with vitamins A, D, and B vitamins.

Comparing Sucralose and Ace-K


Feature	Sucralose	Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)
Sweetness	~600x sweeter than sugar	~200x sweeter than sugar
Caloric Content	0 calories	0 calories
Heat Stability	Highly heat-stable	Highly heat-stable
Taste Profile	Clean, sugar-like taste	Can have a bitter aftertaste, especially alone
Primary Function in Blends	Provides intense, clean sweetness	Enhances and balances overall flavor

Health Considerations

Both sucralose and Ace-K are approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA. However, there is ongoing discussion and research regarding the potential long-term effects of artificial sweeteners, including possible impacts on metabolism and gut health. Unlike sugar, these sweeteners do not cause cavities, but the citric acid in the drink can affect dental enamel. Health professionals often recommend consuming artificially sweetened beverages in moderation and prioritizing water for hydration. For those interested in alternatives for gut health, infused water is suggested.

Conclusion

Sparkling Ice uses a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve its zero-calorie sweetness and fruity taste. This combination provides a balanced and enjoyable flavor profile. While regulatory agencies consider these sweeteners safe, consumers should be mindful of ongoing scientific discussions about their potential long-term effects. Sparkling Ice can be a hydrating option in moderation for those reducing sugar intake, but plain water remains the best choice for hydration. More information on high-intensity sweetener safety can be found from the International Food Information Council.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Sparkling Ice is a zero-sugar beverage. It uses artificial sweeteners, specifically sucralose and acesulfame potassium, to achieve its sweet taste without adding sugar or calories.

Sucralose is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener derived from sugar. It is considered safe for consumption by regulatory bodies like the FDA, although ongoing research and some studies raise questions about its long-term effects on gut health.

Sparkling Ice uses a blend of sucralose and acesulfame potassium to create a more balanced and pleasant taste. Ace-K can have a bitter aftertaste on its own, but when combined with sucralose, it results in a better, more sugar-like flavor.

Sparkling Ice is sweetened without sugar and does not typically affect blood glucose levels. However, people with diabetes should consult a healthcare provider regarding the use of artificial sweeteners and diet drinks.

Sparkling Ice is a low-calorie alternative to sugary sodas. While it contains some vitamins, it should not replace water as your primary source of hydration. Its healthfulness depends on individual health goals and should be consumed in moderation.

The sweeteners themselves do not cause tooth decay. However, the citric acid used in the beverage can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel with excessive consumption, so moderation is advised.

Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, is another calorie-free artificial sweetener often used in combination with sucralose. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is heat-stable.