Is Sucralose bad for you?
Also listed as: INS 955, E955, artificial sweetener
Short answer
Approved as safe at normal intakes and adds no calories, but the WHO advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control.
What it is
A zero-calorie sweetener about 600 times sweeter than sugar, made from sugar by replacing parts of the molecule with chlorine.
Where you’ll see it
‘Sugar-free’ drinks, protein powders, diet desserts, chewing gum and tabletop sweeteners.
+ The good side
- No calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar directly
- Doesn’t cause tooth decay
− The other side
- The WHO (2023) recommends not using non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight
- Research on effects on gut bacteria and appetite is still ongoing
- Can keep a strong taste for sweetness going
Who should pay attention
People managing diabetes or weight who rely on ‘sugar-free’ products.
💡 What to do: Use it as a step down from sugar, not a permanent swap. Plain water, milk or tea beat both.
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Aspartame
Food safety experts still consider aspartame safe within the acceptable daily intake, although a WHO cancer agency labelled it ‘possibly carcinogenic’ in 2023 based on limited evidence. People with PKU must avoid it.
Stevia (steviol glycosides)
A plant-derived, zero-calorie sweetener approved as safe. It is a reasonable sugar swap, though the WHO guidance on not using sweeteners for weight control still applies.
‘No added sugar’
It means no sugar was added during manufacturing, not that the product is low in sugar. Fruit, milk and dried-fruit sugars can still make it very sweet.
General food information, not medical advice. Exact limits and labelling rules vary by country. If you have a medical condition or allergy, follow your doctor’s or dietitian’s advice.