What's the Fake Sugar in CELSIUS? A Deep Dive into Sweeteners

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Celsius Customer Care, the specific sweetener used varies depending on the product line. The original CELSIUS drinks, for example, rely on sucralose, while other lines use natural alternatives like stevia. This diversity in formulas can be confusing, but understanding what's the fake sugar in CELSIUS is key for health-conscious consumers.

Quick Summary

The zero-sugar sweetness in Celsius drinks primarily comes from sucralose in the Originals and HEAT lines, while the Naturally Sweetened line uses stevia and erythritol. Both options have distinct characteristics and potential health considerations for consumers.

Key Points

Sucralose in Originals: The original line of CELSIUS energy drinks primarily uses sucralose, an artificial, zero-calorie sweetener.
Natural Sweeteners in Other Lines: CELSIUS also offers a 'Naturally Sweetened' line that uses a blend of stevia and erythritol.
Check the Label: To know for sure what's the fake sugar in your CELSIUS drink, you must check the ingredient list on the specific can or product line you purchase.
Sucralose Concerns: Some research suggests that sucralose may impact gut health by disrupting the gut microbiome, though the FDA deems it safe.
Stevia and Erythritol Benefits: Stevia is a plant-based sweetener, and erythritol is a sugar alcohol with high digestive tolerance compared to other sugar alcohols.
Moderation is Key: Regardless of the sweetener, CELSIUS contains high levels of caffeine, and consumption should be moderate, especially for those sensitive to stimulants.

Demystifying the Sweeteners in CELSIUS

For those drawn to CELSIUS energy drinks for their zero-sugar claim, the source of their sweet taste is a critical consideration. The short answer to "what's the fake sugar in CELSIUS?" is that it's not just one substance; it depends on the specific product line. The most commonly used artificial sweetener is sucralose, while a separate line of products utilizes a natural blend of stevia and erythritol. This dual approach caters to different consumer preferences and highlights the need to check the label on the specific flavor and type you are purchasing.

The Original Line: Sucralose

For many of CELSIUS's core products, including the original and HEAT lines, the primary sweetener is sucralose. Known commercially as Splenda, sucralose is a zero-calorie, high-intensity artificial sweetener derived from sugar. It is created by a chemical process that replaces three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule with chlorine atoms. The human body does not metabolize sucralose for energy, which is why it provides no calories. While the FDA has approved sucralose as safe for consumption, some health experts express caution, citing potential long-term effects. These concerns include possible alterations to gut microbiota, which could impact digestion and overall gut health.

The Naturally Sweetened Line: Stevia and Erythritol

In response to consumer demand for more natural ingredients, CELSIUS also offers a line of products sweetened with a blend of stevia and erythritol.

Stevia: This is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the leaves of the stevia plant. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve the desired flavor. Unlike artificial sweeteners, stevia is a plant-derived compound, which many consumers find appealing.
Erythritol: As a sugar alcohol, erythritol is also used to add bulk and sweetness. It is naturally found in some fruits and fermented foods. Erythritol has a low caloric content because it is not fully absorbed by the body. It passes through the body and is largely excreted unchanged, with a lower risk of digestive discomfort compared to other sugar alcohols.

Potential Health Considerations

While both artificial and natural alternative sweeteners offer a way to enjoy sweetness without added sugar, they are not without potential health debates. Research on their long-term effects is ongoing, and individual reactions can vary. Some people may experience digestive upset from sucralose or erythritol, while others may find the aftertaste of certain sweeteners undesirable.

Sweetener Comparison: Sucralose vs. Stevia/Erythritol Blend


Feature	Sucralose (Original Line)	Stevia/Erythritol (Natural Line)
Source	Artificial (derived from sugar)	Natural (plant-based and sugar alcohol)
Caloric Content	Zero calories	Nearly zero calories
Aftertaste	Generally clean, but some report a slight aftertaste	Can have a slightly bitter or licorice-like aftertaste from stevia
Sweetness	Approximately 600x sweeter than sugar	Varies, erythritol is about 60-70% as sweet as sugar
Gut Impact	Some studies suggest potential disruption of gut microbiota	Lower risk of GI distress, especially from erythritol
Processing	Synthetically manufactured via chlorination	Erythritol is fermented; Stevia is plant-extracted

Conclusion: Choosing the Right CELSIUS for You

Knowing what's the fake sugar in CELSIUS is crucial for making an informed decision about your consumption. If you're looking to strictly avoid artificial sweeteners, the Naturally Sweetened line containing stevia and erythritol is the appropriate choice. However, if your main goal is zero sugar and you are comfortable with artificial options, the original sucralose-sweetened flavors are an option. Ultimately, paying attention to the ingredient list and your body's response is the best approach. As with any energy drink, moderation is key, as excessive caffeine and other stimulants can also have adverse health effects. For more detailed information on sweeteners, the FDA provides a comprehensive resource on its website.

Visit the FDA's information page on sweeteners for further reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the original CELSIUS drinks, including the popular flavors and the HEAT line, are sweetened with sucralose, a high-intensity artificial sweetener.

Yes, CELSIUS has a specific line of products labeled "Naturally Sweetened" that uses a blend of stevia leaf extract and erythritol instead of artificial sweeteners.

Sucralose is approved as safe by the FDA. However, some studies and health experts have raised concerns about its potential long-term effects, such as its impact on gut health.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made in a lab, while stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. Stevia is often preferred by those seeking more natural ingredients.

CELSIUS uses different sweeteners to cater to a broader market, offering options for consumers who prefer artificial sweeteners and those who prefer naturally derived alternatives like stevia and erythritol.

Some individuals may experience digestive issues like bloating or discomfort from both sucralose and erythritol, particularly in large quantities, though individual tolerance varies.

Yes, CELSIUS proudly markets its drinks as zero-sugar, using alternative sweeteners to provide flavor without the calories or blood sugar impact of traditional sugar.