What products contain artificial sweeteners?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), several artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame are approved for use in thousands of food and beverage products. Many processed foods, drinks, and even unexpected items on grocery shelves contain these low-calorie or zero-calorie sugar substitutes.

Quick Summary

A surprising range of diet, 'sugar-free,' and even regular processed foods contain artificial sweeteners. These are found in diet sodas, flavored yogurts, cereals, candies, and many baked goods, often listed under names like sucralose or aspartame.

Key Points

Prevalence Beyond Diet Soda: Artificial sweeteners are not limited to diet sodas and can be found in a wide array of processed foods, including snacks, cereals, and dairy products.
Look for Chemical Names: Even without a 'diet' or 'sugar-free' label, many items contain artificial sweeteners, listed under their chemical names such as sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame potassium.
Unexpected Savory Items: Some surprising products, including specific canned fruits, baked beans, and light breads, use artificial sweeteners to reduce sugar content and enhance flavor.
Regulatory vs. Public Concern: While regulatory bodies generally deem artificial sweeteners safe at moderate levels, ongoing research and public debate exist regarding their long-term health impacts.
Become a Label Detective: The most reliable method for monitoring artificial sweetener intake is to carefully read and understand the ingredient list on all packaged food items.
Use in Combination: Manufacturers often blend multiple artificial sweeteners in a single product to achieve a specific taste profile or mask aftertastes.

Unexpected products containing artificial sweeteners

While most people associate artificial sweeteners with diet soda, a much broader range of products includes these additives to reduce sugar content. In many cases, a single product may contain a combination of two or more different artificial sweeteners to achieve a desired taste profile.

Beverages

Beyond diet and 'zero-sugar' sodas, artificial sweeteners appear in various drinks. Manufacturers use them to enhance flavor and reduce calories, often masking the presence of artificial ingredients behind fruity or 'natural' flavors.

Diet and Zero-Sugar Sodas: The most well-known category, including products like Diet Coke, Coke Zero, and Diet Pepsi, heavily features artificial sweeteners.
Flavored Waters and Drink Mixes: Many fruit-flavored waters, drink enhancers (e.g., Mio Drops), and powdered drink mixes (e.g., Crystal Light) rely on sucralose, aspartame, or acesulfame potassium.
Light and Low-Calorie Juices: Brands like Tropicana Trop50 and Minute Maid Light use stevia and other artificial sweeteners in conjunction with or instead of sugar.
Iced Teas and Lemonades: Many bottled iced teas and lemonade mixes, including Diet Snapple and Arizona Lite, are sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners.
Protein Shakes: Ready-to-drink protein shakes and powdered supplements often contain sucralose and acesulfame potassium to provide a sweet flavor without added carbs.

Processed snacks and sweets

Artificial sweeteners are a mainstay in the snack aisle for producing 'sugar-free' and 'low-sugar' versions of classic treats.

Sugar-Free Gum and Mints: Almost all sugar-free gum brands, such as Trident and Extra, use aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame potassium.
Gelatins and Puddings: Sugar-free Jell-O and other similar products are commonly sweetened with aspartame and acesulfame potassium.
Hard Candies: Many 'sugar-free' hard candies and mints, like Werther's Original Sugar Free, use sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.
Reduced-Sugar Breakfast Cereals: Even some cereals not explicitly marketed as 'diet' use sucralose and other sweeteners, such as certain varieties of Fiber One.
Yogurt and Dairy Products: Low-fat and light yogurts from brands like Dannon Light & Fit and Yoplait Light often contain a combination of artificial sweeteners to reduce calorie count.

Unconventional foods with added sweeteners

Some of the most surprising places to find artificial sweeteners are in savory or seemingly healthy foods. Consumers may not expect these additives, making it crucial to read the ingredient list carefully.

Breads and Bakery Items: Certain 'light' or 'whole wheat' breads and tortillas contain sucralose to create a sweeter taste and improve texture.
Canned Fruits: Some 'no sugar added' canned fruits use sucralose and acesulfame potassium to maintain sweetness.
Condiments and Syrups: Reduced-sugar or sugar-free syrups and ketchups often contain aspartame or sucralose.
Frozen Desserts: No-sugar-added frozen dairy desserts and ice cream bars typically contain various sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners.
Baked Beans and Sauces: Some pre-made sauces and baked beans, like certain Bush's Best Zero Sugar Added baked beans, may include sucralose.

Comparison of common artificial sweeteners


Sweetener Name	Brand Names	Products Commonly Found In	Relative Sweetness (vs. sugar)	Heat Stable?	Notes
Sucralose	Splenda®	Diet drinks, baked goods, cereals, frozen desserts	~600x	Yes	A popular, versatile sweetener.
Aspartame	Equal®, NutraSweet®	Diet sodas, chewing gum, instant puddings	~200x	No	Often used in cold products; loses sweetness when heated.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)	Sweet One®, Sunett®	Beverages, baked goods, dairy products	~200x	Yes	Often combined with other sweeteners to mask aftertaste.
Saccharin	Sweet'N Low®	Tabletop packets, canned goods, diet sodas	~200-700x	Yes	The oldest artificial sweetener; can have a bitter aftertaste.
Steviol Glycosides	Truvia®, PureVia®	Beverages, desserts, tabletop sweeteners	~200-400x	Yes	Naturally derived from the stevia plant.

Reading labels to identify artificial sweeteners

To avoid or monitor your consumption of artificial sweeteners, it is essential to read the ingredient list on product packaging. Labels such as 'sugar-free,' 'diet,' or 'light' are strong indicators, but even regular items may contain them. The table above provides common brand names, but the chemical name will always be listed in the ingredients. For example, a beverage may list 'acesulfame potassium' or 'sucralose' instead of simply saying 'artificial sweetener.'

The ongoing conversation about sweeteners

The widespread use of artificial sweeteners has spurred public debate regarding their safety and impact on health. While regulatory bodies like the FDA affirm their safety within acceptable daily intake levels, some studies and health organizations raise concerns. Topics of interest include their effect on gut health, potential links to metabolic syndrome, and their long-term health consequences. The scientific community continues to research these additives, and a comprehensive understanding requires attention to both regulatory approval and emerging studies. For those interested in deeper research, the International Food Information Council (IFIC) has a great overview of common sweetener types and their regulations [https://ific.org/resources/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aspartame/].

Conclusion: A landscape of hidden sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are ubiquitous in the modern food supply, extending far beyond the expected diet sodas and sugar-free candies. They are a core component of many processed snacks, dairy products, baked goods, and even some savory condiments. For consumers aiming to reduce their intake, the most effective strategy is a commitment to reading the ingredient labels of all packaged products. By becoming familiar with the different types of artificial sweeteners and where they are found, individuals can make more informed choices about their dietary habits and the sources of their sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some surprising foods that may contain artificial sweeteners include certain breads, light salad dressings, some brands of cottage cheese, microwave popcorn, and 'no sugar added' canned fruits.

Yes, some regular, non-diet products can contain artificial sweeteners alongside traditional sugar. Manufacturers might use a combination to reduce the overall sugar content or improve the taste.

Some common artificial sweeteners to look for are sucralose (often as Splenda), aspartame (often as Equal), acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), and saccharin (often as Sweet'N Low).

Most zero-calorie or diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners. However, some newer products may use natural zero-calorie sweeteners like purified stevia leaf extracts or monk fruit extract.

It can be difficult. While 'diet' or 'sugar-free' labels are an obvious indicator, many products containing artificial sweeteners don't explicitly advertise it, making it necessary to read the ingredient list.

Some processed fruit and vegetable products, such as 'no sugar added' canned fruit cups and certain baked beans, use artificial sweeteners like sucralose.

Manufacturers primarily use artificial sweeteners to reduce the calorie and sugar content of their products while maintaining a sweet taste, appealing to health-conscious consumers or those managing conditions like diabetes.