Everything You Need to Know About Sucralose

What is sucralose?

Sucralose is a low-calorie sweetener made from sugar.  This makes it taste like sugar. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and can be used in place of sugar to eliminate or reduce calories in a wide variety of products, including beverages, baked goods, desserts, dairy products, canned fruits, syrups and condiments.

Sucralose was discovered in 1976. More than 100 scientific studies have been conducted over a 20-year period and have found that sucralose is safe for human consumption. In 1998, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of sucralose in 15 food and beverage categories.  This was the broadest initial approval ever given to a food additive. In August 1999, the FDA extended the approval by permitting sucralose use as a general-purpose sweetener in all foods, beverages, dietary supplements and medical foods. Sucralose is now permitted for use in over 60 countries and has been consumed by millions of people worldwide.  Sucralose is great as a tabletop sweetener and is available in supermarkets and other consumer outlets.

What is sucralose made of?

Sucralose is made from sugar through a patented process that selectively substitutes three chlorine atoms for three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule. The tightly bound chlorine atoms create a molecular structure that is exceptionally stable.

Is sucralose safe?

Sucralose has an excellent safety profile. More than 100 scientific studies conducted over a 20-year period demonstrate that sucralose is safe for use as a sweetener. The data from the studies were independently evaluated by international experts in a variety of scientific disciplines, including toxicology, oncology, teratology, neurology, hematology, pediatrics and nutrition. Comprehensive toxicology studies, designed to meet the highest scientific standards, have clearly demonstrated that sucralose is not carcinogenic.

Does sucralose provide calories?

Sucralose is non-caloric, so it adds no calories to the foods and beverages it is used to sweeten. But, products made with sucralose may contain calories from other nutritive ingredients that provide carbohydrates, protein and fat.  Please, read your labels.

How is sucralose handled by the body?

Although sucralose is made from a process that starts with sugar, it is not a sugar nor does the body recognize it as a carbohydrate. Sucralose is not broken down for energy in the body so it has no calories. The sucralose molecule passes through the body unchanged, is not metabolized, and is eliminated after consumption.

Is the chlorine in sucralose potentially harmful?

No. Chlorine in the form of chloride is a safe and natural element present in many of the foods and beverages that we eat and drink every day. It is in most natural water supplies, and is also found in lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, melons, peanut butter and table salt. In the case of sucralose, the addition of chlorine to the sucralose molecule is what makes sucralose free of calories. Sucralose is an essentially inert molecule and it passes through the body without being broken down for calories.

Can people with diabetes use sucralose?

Yes. Clinical studies have shown that sucralose can be safely consumed by people with diabetes. Sucralose is not recognized by the body as sugar or as a carbohydrate. It is not metabolized by the body for energy and does not affect blood glucose levels. Sucralose has no effect on blood glucose utilization, carbohydrate metabolism or insulin production. Products sweetened with sucralose provide good-tasting, lower-calorie alternatives for people with diabetes who are interested in reducing their caloric or sugar intake. As with any nutritional concerns, people with diabetes should consult their doctor or diabetes healthcare professional for advice on an individualized dietary plan.

Can pregnant and breastfeeding women consume sucralose?

Yes. Sucralose can be used by everyone, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Although sucralose may be used as part of a healthy pre- and post-natal diet, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to their doctor or nutritionist about foods to eat to support their health, and their baby’s health.

Is sucralose safe for children?

Yes. Sucralose may be safely used by everyone, including children. Sucralose can be a great addition to healthful meal plans designed for children’s needs.