The Accidental Discovery of a Calorie-Free Sweetener
The story of Equal begins not with a product launch, but with an accidental discovery decades earlier. In 1965, chemist James M. Schlatter of G.D. Searle & Company was working on a new anti-ulcer drug. While handling the compound, a mixture of two amino acids, he licked his finger and was surprised by its intense sweetness. He had inadvertently created aspartame, a substance roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar but with a negligible caloric impact when used in such small quantities. The commercial potential of this discovery would fundamentally change the sugar substitute landscape.
The Long Road to FDA Approval
Before Equal could reach consumers, its active ingredient, aspartame, had to navigate a lengthy and controversial regulatory journey. While first approved in 1974, concerns and procedural issues led to a temporary revocation and further investigation. After years of additional testing and review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ultimately approved aspartame for use in dry goods and as a tabletop sweetener in 1981. This critical step, which followed a recommendation from a Public Board of Inquiry, paved the way for its introduction into the consumer market in the following year.
The Official Launch: When Equal Sweetener Came Out
With FDA approval secured for tabletop use, G.D. Searle & Company moved quickly to introduce a consumer-facing product. In 1982, the Equal brand was officially launched in the United States, becoming one of the first aspartame-based sweeteners available directly to the public.
The Milestones of the Equal Sweetener Brand
- 1965: Chemist James M. Schlatter accidentally discovers aspartame at G.D. Searle & Company.
- 1981: The FDA approves aspartame for use in dry food products and as a tabletop sweetener.
- 1982: Equal sweetener, containing aspartame, is launched in the United States and Canada.
- 1983: The FDA expands aspartame's approval to include use in carbonated beverages.
- 1985: G.D. Searle is acquired by Monsanto, which continues to own the NutraSweet and Equal businesses.
- 2000: Merisant purchases the tabletop sweetener business, including the Equal brand, from Monsanto.
The Birth of the Iconic Blue Packet
During the product's development, it was originally intended to be named "Equa". However, a Chicago advertising agency, Tatham, Laird & Kudner, suggested adding an "L" to the end to form "Equal." This change implied that the new sweetener's taste was equal to that of sugar, a powerful marketing message. The distinctive blue packaging further helped establish Equal as a memorable and recognizable brand in the competitive sugar substitute market. Its counterpart in Europe, Canderel, had already launched successfully in France and the UK in the early 1980s.
Equal vs. Other Sweeteners: A Comparison
The market for artificial sweeteners has expanded significantly since Equal's introduction, with many different options now available. Each has unique characteristics and ideal uses, as summarized in the table below.
| Sweetener | Brand Names | Base Ingredient | Relative Sweetness (vs. Sugar) | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspartame | Equal, NutraSweet | Aspartic acid + Phenylalanine | ~200x | Minimal (effectively zero due to amount used) |
| Saccharin | Sweet'N Low | Benzoic sulfimide | ~300x | Zero |
| Sucralose | Splenda | Chlorinated sucrose | ~600x | Zero |
| Stevia | Truvia, Pure Via | Steviol glycosides | ~200-300x | Zero |
The Legacy and Market Impact of Equal
The arrival of Equal and the subsequent widespread approval of aspartame fundamentally changed the food and beverage industry. It offered a zero-calorie, sugar-like sweetness that allowed for the creation of new "diet" and "sugar-free" products, from sodas to cereals. The brand quickly gained significant market share and became a household name. While other sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda) and stevia have since become popular, Equal and its active ingredient, aspartame, remain a significant and widely used option today, sold in over 90 countries. Its legacy is intertwined with the shift in consumer preferences toward low-calorie alternatives throughout the late 20th century.
The Evolution of the Brand
Merisant, the current owner of the Equal tabletop sweetener business, continues to innovate with the brand to stay competitive. In recent years, the company has expanded its product line to include functional and fortified sweeteners, addressing evolving consumer demands for products with added health benefits. These newer variations aim to keep the brand relevant in a competitive and rapidly changing market where consumers are increasingly health-conscious and seeking out new options.
Conclusion
The answer to the question "when did Equal sweetener come out" is 1982, but the story is part of a much larger narrative. The product's existence traces back to the accidental discovery of aspartame by G.D. Searle chemist James M. Schlatter in 1965 and the subsequent, highly scrutinized FDA approval process. The creation of the distinctive brand name and packaging solidified its place in American pantries, making the blue packet synonymous with a calorie-free sweet taste. Its ongoing evolution reflects continuous changes in consumer preferences and the broader food industry. For those interested in learning more about food additives like aspartame, an authoritative source is the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), which provides comprehensive information and safety reviews.
