Sweeteners or sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, sucralose, are ingredients used to sweeten and in some cases enhance the flavor of foods. Some sweeteners are much sweeter than table sugar, and smaller amounts are needed to achieve the same level of sweetness as sugar in food. People may choose to use sweeteners instead of sugar for various reasons. For example, sweeteners contribute only a few or no calories to the diet and generally will not raise blood sugar levels. This is extremely important for people who have diabetes.
Sweeteners are widely used in foods and beverages marketed as "sugar-free" or "diet," including baked goods, soft drinks, powdered drink mixes, candy, puddings, canned foods, jams and jellies, dairy products, and many other foods and beverages. Consumers can identify whether a product has a sweetener by looking for the sweetener's name in the ingredient list on the product label.
Some companies tend to choose the sweetener in their recipes according to the degree of sweetness or whether it can work well under higher temperatures or is soluble, while some decide by considering the cost of the sweetener or if it was safe enough…
| Aspartame | Sucralose | |
| Degree of sweetness | 200 times sweeter than table sugar | 600 times sweeter than table sugar |
| Safe amount to consume and still be under the safe level ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) set by FDA | 3 times the amount of sucralose | 1/3 of the amount of Aspartame |
| Deemed safe by FDA (USA) / EFSA (EU) / Health Canada? | SAFE | SAFE |
| Working under high temperatures | Not very stable under high temperatures losing its flavor | Very stable under high temperatures making it a better substitute for baking |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble unless the liquid is heated |
Soluble (dissolves) in water |
| Taste | Has a slight after taste which is described sometimes as metallic. Hence, it is usually mixed with other sweeteners to ger rid of the after taste | Does not have an after taste |
| Cost | Half the cost of Sucralose |
Double the cost of Aspartame |
Are these sweeteners SAFE?
Artificial sweeteners have been extensively studied for potentially toxic effects and health-related outcomes of their consumption. The FDA reviewed over 100 studies for each compound before concluding they were safe for consumption when used under approved conditions and made under good manufacturing practices.
Which sweetener shall I use:
This depends on each company's process, recipe, use, cost and choice.
We here at New Ambition Chemical proudly produce – with our partners – and supply both items to our clients around the globe. For an accurate quote on these items, please inquire with us: sales@ambitionchems.com
