What Sweetener Is in a Yellow Packet? Understanding Sucralose

January 13, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the FDA, sucralose, the primary ingredient found in yellow packets, is approved for use as a general-purpose sweetener in foods. This sweetening ingredient, most famously marketed under the brand name Splenda, provides a convenient, zero-calorie way to add sweetness to beverages and food.

Quick Summary

Yellow sweetener packets contain sucralose, a zero-calorie artificial sweetener most commonly sold under the Splenda brand, along with bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose.

Key Points

Sucralose: The primary sweetening agent in yellow packets is sucralose.
Splenda Brand: The most common brand of yellow-packet sweetener is Splenda.
Heat-Stable: Sucralose is heat-stable and suitable for baking and cooking.
Zero-Calorie: It offers a zero-calorie sweet taste because it is not metabolized by the body.
Fillers Added: Yellow packets also contain bulking agents like maltodextrin and dextrose for volume.
Diabetic Friendly: Due to its lack of effect on blood sugar, sucralose is a safe option for people with diabetes.

What is sucralose?

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute. Discovered in 1976, it's created by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups on a sucrose molecule with chlorine atoms, making it about 600 times sweeter than sugar and virtually calorie-free as it's not metabolized by the body.

Unlike aspartame, sucralose is heat-stable for baking and cooking, though high temperatures may pose concerns.

The composition of yellow packets

Yellow packets contain high-intensity sucralose along with fillers to aid in measurement and use.

Sucralose: The zero-calorie sweetening agent.
Dextrose: A corn-derived bulking agent.
Maltodextrin: A corn-based carbohydrate also used as a bulking agent.

These fillers ensure a packet sweetens like two teaspoons of sugar.

A comparison of common sweetener packets

Here is a comparison of common low-calorie sweetener packets:


Packet Color	Brand Name (Common)	Primary Sweetener	Relative Sweetness (vs Sugar)	Key Characteristics	Common Uses
Yellow	Splenda	Sucralose	~600x	Made from sugar, heat-stable, no aftertaste for many.	Baking, cooking, hot/cold beverages.
Pink	Sweet'N Low	Saccharin	~200-700x	One of the oldest artificial sweeteners, stable when heated.	Coffee, tea, table-top use.
Blue	Equal	Aspartame	~200x	Contains two amino acids, not heat-stable, often used in diet sodas.	Cold beverages, dairy products.
Green	Stevia in the Raw	Steviol Glycosides (from stevia leaf)	~200-400x	Natural, plant-derived sweetener, can have a slight aftertaste.	Hot/cold beverages, natural sweetener alternative.

The science of sucralose

Sucralose is intensely sweet with no calories because its chemical structure prevents the body from breaking it down. Most sucralose passes through the digestive system unchanged.

It does not impact blood sugar or insulin, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Approved by the FDA in 1999 after reviewing over 110 safety studies, international health bodies also affirm its safety within acceptable daily intake levels.

Learn more about sweeteners from the FDA.

Considerations and consumer choice

Choosing a sweetener is personal, based on taste and diet. Sucralose's sugar-like taste is preferred by some, while others opt for natural options like stevia. Heat stability is also a factor, favoring sucralose for baking over aspartame. Health organizations generally consider artificial sweeteners safe at typical consumption levels despite occasional controversy.

Conclusion

Yellow packets primarily contain sucralose, commonly sold as Splenda. This zero-calorie sweetener is a modified sugar that isn't metabolized by the body. Its heat stability and taste make it popular for drinks and baking. Understanding the differences between sucralose and other options like saccharin, aspartame, and stevia helps consumers make informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sweetener in a yellow packet is sucralose, which is marketed under the brand name Splenda.

Besides sucralose, yellow sweetener packets typically contain bulking agents such as dextrose and maltodextrin to provide volume and make the product easier to measure.

Yes, sucralose is heat-stable, which means it can be used in baking and cooking without losing its sweetness.

Sucralose is derived from sugar but is chemically modified by replacing some of its hydrogen-oxygen groups with chlorine atoms, rendering it indigestible by the body and thus calorie-free.

Yes, sucralose does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels, making it a safe sugar substitute for people with diabetes.

Sucralose (yellow packet) is heat-stable, whereas aspartame (blue packet) is not. Aspartame is also less sweet and is made from amino acids, while sucralose is a chlorinated sugar.

For most people, sucralose does not leave a bitter aftertaste, which is one reason for its widespread popularity compared to some other artificial sweeteners.