What Sweetener Is Like Equal? Your Guide to Aspartame Alternatives

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

Equal, a popular sugar substitute brand, primarily uses aspartame to achieve its sweet taste. For those seeking an alternative that offers a similar zero-calorie sweetness, options range from other artificial products to natural sweeteners derived from plants. Understanding what sweetener is like Equal is key to navigating the world of low-calorie substitutes.

Quick Summary

Aspartame-based Equal has alternatives for similar sweetness, including other artificial sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin, and natural options like stevia and monk fruit. Each substitute differs in sweetness intensity, heat stability, and taste profile.

Key Points

Aspartame Alternatives: Sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda), saccharin (Sweet'N Low), stevia, and monk fruit offer similar no-calorie sweetness to Equal.
Heat Stability Matters: For baking and cooking, aspartame is not a good choice as it loses sweetness when heated; opt for heat-stable options like sucralose, stevia, or monk fruit.
Sucralose (Splenda): This artificial sweetener is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and is known for its sugar-like taste and heat stability.
Natural Options: Stevia (plant-based) and monk fruit (fruit-based) are popular natural alternatives to Equal and other artificial sweeteners.
Taste Differences: While similar, each sweetener has a unique taste profile and potential aftertaste; personal preference is a key factor in selection.
Safety Profile: The FDA has reviewed and considers aspartame and other listed sweeteners safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels.

What is in Equal? Understanding the Primary Ingredients

To understand alternatives, it's helpful to know what gives Equal its signature taste. The primary sweetening ingredients in Equal Original packets are aspartame and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).

Aspartame: This is a non-saccharide, artificial sweetener that is roughly 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, and is not heat-stable, meaning it can lose sweetness when cooked or baked.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): Also around 200 times sweeter than sugar, Ace-K is often blended with other sweeteners to create a more balanced, sugar-like flavor and to counteract any lingering aftertaste. Unlike aspartame, Ace-K is heat-stable and is often used in baked goods.

Top Alternatives to Equal and Aspartame

Several sweeteners offer a similar profile to Equal, with each having unique characteristics that may better suit your needs.

1. Sucralose (Splenda)

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made from real sugar molecules that have been chemically modified.

Taste Profile: Many people consider sucralose to have a very sugar-like taste with minimal aftertaste, which is why it's a popular alternative.
Sweetness: At approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar, it is significantly more intense than aspartame.
Best For: Sucralose is heat-stable, making it suitable for both hot beverages and baking.

2. Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)

Saccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners, known for its distinct taste.

Taste Profile: It has a powerful sweetness, but some users may notice a bitter or metallic aftertaste, especially in high concentrations.
Sweetness: Saccharin is 200 to 700 times sweeter than table sugar, depending on its form.
Best For: It is often used in tabletop packets and can be used in baking, but its aftertaste can be a dealbreaker for some.

3. Stevia (Truvia, PureVia)

Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant leaves.

Taste Profile: Stevia has a clean sweetness, though some products may have a licorice-like aftertaste.
Sweetness: Stevia is 200 to 400 times sweeter than sugar.
Best For: It is heat-stable and a great choice for sweetening hot beverages. Some brands offer baking blends formulated for texture and volume.

4. Monk Fruit (Monk Fruit In The Raw, PureLo)

Extracted from the monk fruit, this is another popular natural option.

Taste Profile: Monk fruit is known for its clean sweetness without a strong aftertaste.
Sweetness: It is about 150 to 250 times sweeter than table sugar.
Best For: Monk fruit sweetener is heat-stable and can be used in both beverages and cooking.

Comparison Table of Sweetener Alternatives


Feature	Aspartame (Equal)	Sucralose (Splenda)	Stevia	Monk Fruit	Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
Sweetness (vs. sugar)	~200x	~600x	200–400x	150–250x	200–700x
Heat Stability	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Taste Profile	Clean, but can have a bitter aftertaste.	Very sugar-like, minimal aftertaste.	Clean, but some aftertaste.	Clean, no aftertaste.	Can have a metallic aftertaste.
Origin	Synthetic	Synthetic	Natural (plant)	Natural (fruit)	Synthetic
Calories	Minimal (negligible)	Zero	Zero	Zero	Zero

Choosing the Right Equal Substitute for Your Needs

The best alternative depends on your intended use and personal taste preference. If you primarily use Equal for your coffee or tea and dislike the aftertaste, a pure stevia or monk fruit product might be a good fit. For baking where heat-stable sweetness is needed, sucralose (Splenda) is a popular and reliable choice. If you want a more natural source, stevia and monk fruit are excellent plant-based options. The key is to experiment to find what works best with your taste buds and recipe requirements.

Conclusion

While Equal, with its main ingredient aspartame, has long been a staple on many tables, a variety of excellent alternatives exist. From other artificial sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin to the natural options of stevia and monk fruit, there is a low-calorie or zero-calorie sweetener available for every purpose. When selecting a substitute, consider factors such as sweetness level, whether you need a heat-stable option for baking, and your sensitivity to aftertastes. By understanding the distinct profiles of each, you can find a suitable replacement for Equal that perfectly fits your dietary preferences and needs. For those seeking to reduce sugar intake, exploring these alternatives provides a manageable way to continue enjoying sweetness.

Food Network has great tips for baking with different sweeteners

Frequently Asked Questions

The main sweetening ingredient in Equal Original packets is aspartame, which is combined with acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) for a clean, sugar-like flavor.

Splenda and Equal are both zero-calorie sweeteners, but they are different. Splenda uses sucralose, which is heat-stable and sweeter than aspartame (in Equal), making it better for baking.

Yes, you can use stevia as a natural, zero-calorie substitute for Equal. Both are intensely sweet, but stevia comes from a plant, and some products may have a mild aftertaste compared to aspartame.

For hot beverages like coffee, both sucralose (Splenda) and stevia are great alternatives. Sucralose is very heat-stable, while many find stevia to be a perfect fit for a natural, calorie-free sweetness.

Yes, monk fruit is a good natural, zero-calorie substitute for Equal, especially if you want to avoid artificial ingredients. It is heat-stable and generally has no bitter aftertaste.

For baking, you should use a heat-stable sweetener. Sucralose (Splenda) is a common choice, and certain stevia or monk fruit baking blends are also effective.

Most FDA-approved sweeteners, including the alternatives mentioned, are considered safe for consumption within acceptable daily intake levels. However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame (Equal).