Low-Calorie and
No-Calorie
Sweeteners
Everything you need to know
Curious about low- and no-calorie sweeteners? You’re not alone. Conflicting information about low- and no-calorie sweeteners seems to be reaching new heights, so we’ve searched high and low and rounded up the facts.
Aspartame
Aspartame is a type of low-calorie sweetener that consists of two amino acids—aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame is used as an ingredient to replace sugar in reduced-calorie foods and beverages, and it is also found in tabletop sweetener packet. Read more for facts and safety information on aspartame.
Monk Fruit
Monk fruit, also known as luo han guo or Swingle fruit, is a small round fruit that is native to southern China. It also is used to provide calorie-free sweetness in reduced-calorie foods and beverages. Read more for facts and safety information on monk fruit.
Stevia
The stevia plant is an herbal shrub that is native to South America and is a source of sweetness that does not contain calories. Read more for facts and safety information on stevia.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a common type of sweetener that does not contain calories. Read more for how sucralose is different from sugar, safety, research and other resources.
Additional Resources From Food Insight
IFIC Expert Webinars
Sweet Insights: Consumer Preferences & The Role Of Food Science In Sugar Reduction
Breaking Down the Basics and Biological Fate of Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners
Gut Check: Low- and No-Calorie Sweeteners and the Gut Microbiome
Low-Calorie Sweetener Safety: Settled or Asking For Evidence?
Food Psychology and the Role of Low-Calorie Sweeteners in Appetite and Weight Control
The ABCs of LCS: Addressing Benefits and Concerns of Low-Calorie Sweeteners
IFIC Consumer Research
IFIC is uniquely positioned at the intersection of food, science, and the consumer to promote a consumer-centric consumption approach rooted in behavioral research. Our consumer research platform utilizes a variety of methods, including behavioral science principles, to address the timeliest topics in food among the American public.
IFIC Perspectives
Food trends come and go, but one has stood the test of time: the search to satisfy our sweet tooth. Over the years, IFIC has tracked consumer attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions about sweeteners. Here are our perspectives on the landscape, opportunities, and challenges.