The Most Popular Artificial Sweetener, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the artificial sweetener you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:29
Imagine walking into your local grocery store, overwhelmed by the numerous choices of artificial sweeteners - each claiming to be the best. It can be daunting to decide which one to pick, especially if you're conscious about health, taste, and cooking compatibility. That's where the benefit of a comprehensive, user-driven ranking comes in. Users like you vote on their preferred options, making it easier for everyone to see which products stand out based on consumer experience.
This ranked list is constantly updated based on user votes, reflecting current preferences and trends in the world of artificial sweeteners. Whether you're a long-time user or simply looking to try something new, the insights provided here can guide you to make a more informed choice. So, cast your vote and help shape the ranking to reflect the most favored sweeteners on the market.
What Is the Most Popular Artificial Sweetener?
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150votesAspartame is one of the most popular artificial sweeteners used in many low-calorie and sugar-free products such as diet soda, chewing gum, and candy. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and has a similar taste. According to the FDA, aspartame is safe for consumption.Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is a low-calorie alternative to natural sugars and is known for its intense sweet taste. Aspartame is categorized as a non-nutritive or zero-calorie sweetener, which means it provides little to no calories when consumed. It is extensively used in a variety of food and beverage products worldwide.
- Sweetness: Approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar)
- Chemical Composition: Aspartame is composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine
- Caloric Content: Approximately 4 calories per gram but it is typically used in very small quantities, making its caloric impact negligible
- Heat Stability: Aspartame breaks down at high temperatures, so it is not suitable for baking or cooking applications
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
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234votesSucralose is another popular artificial sweetener used in many low-calorie and sugar-free products. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste. According to the FDA, sucralose is safe for consumption.Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is derived from sugar. It is a white, crystalline powder that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It is used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products.
- Sweetness: Approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar
- Caloric content: Negligible, provides nearly zero calories per serving
- Stability: Stable under high temperatures and acidic conditions
- Solubility: High solubility in water
- Taste: Offers a similar taste profile to sugar with no bitter aftertaste
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312votesStevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant. It is about 200-300 times sweeter than sugar and has a slightly bitter aftertaste. Stevia is often used in natural and organic products as a sugar substitute.Stevia is a popular natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is known for its intense sweetness and is often used as a substitute for sugar in various food and beverages. The sweetness of Stevia comes from its natural compounds called steviol glycosides.
- Intensity of sweetness: Stevia is approximately 200-350 times sweeter than sugar.
- Zero calorie: It is a non-caloric sweetener, making it suitable for those on low-calorie diets.
- Natural origin: Stevia is derived from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant, native to South America.
- Heat stable: It remains stable and does not lose its sweetness at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking and baking.
- Low glycemic index: Stevia has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes.
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49votesSaccharin is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners and is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in diet soda, table-top sweeteners, and other low-calorie products. According to the FDA, saccharin is safe for consumption.Saccharin is an artificial sweetener that is intensely sweet, approximately 300 to 500 times sweeter than sucrose. It is a white crystalline powder with a very low calorie content, making it commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products.
- Sweetness: Approximately 300 to 500 times sweeter than sucrose
- Calorie content: Very low calorie content
- Chemical formula: C7H5NO3S
- Taste: Sweet with a slight bitter aftertaste
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
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523votesNeotame is a newer artificial sweetener that is about 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sugar. It is often used in baked goods, frozen desserts, and other low-calorie products. According to the FDA, neotame is safe for consumption.Neotame is an artificial sweetener that is approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It is white, odorless, and freely soluble in water.
- Sweetness: 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sugar
- Color: White
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Freely soluble in water
- Tolerance to heat: Stable at high temperatures and suitable for baking
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616votes
Acesulfame potassium
Karl Clauss and Harald JensenAcesulfame potassium is another popular artificial sweetener used in many low-calorie and sugar-free products. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste. According to the FDA, acesulfame potassium is safe for consumption.Acesulfame potassium, also known as Acesulfame K or Ace-K, is a calorie-free artificial sweetener. It is commonly used to sweeten a variety of food and beverage products.- Sweetness: 200 times sweeter than sugar
- Caloric content: No calories
- Heat stability: Stable even at high temperatures
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water
- Taste profile: Mild sweet taste with a slight aftertaste
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75votesTagatose is a natural sweetener derived from lactose (milk sugar). It is about 90% as sweet as sugar and has a similar taste. Tagatose is often used in baked goods and other low-calorie products.Tagatose is a low-calorie artificial sweetener that is considered a rare sugar. It is a naturally occurring monosaccharide found in small amounts in fruits and dairy products. Tagatose is approximately 92% as sweet as table sugar (sucrose) but with only a fraction of the calories.
- Chemical formula: C6H12O6
- Sweetness: 92% as sweet as sucrose
- Calorie content: 1.5 calories per gram
- Glycemic index: 3 (low)
- Low impact on blood sugar: Suitable for diabetics
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88votesXylitol is a natural sweetener derived from plant sources such as birch trees. It is about as sweet as sugar and has a similar taste. Xylitol is often used in chewing gum and other low-calorie products.Xylitol is a popular artificial sweetener that is used as a sugar substitute in various food and pharmaceutical products. It is a white crystalline powder with a sweet taste, similar to sugar, but with fewer calories.
- Dental Benefits: Reduces the risk of tooth decay and plaque formation
- Chemical Formula: C5H12O5
- Caloric Content per Gram: 2.4 calories
- Sweetness Level: Approximately the same as sucrose (table sugar)
- Glycemic Index: 7
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94votesErythritol is a natural sweetener derived from plant sources such as corn. It is about 70% as sweet as sugar and does not have a bitter aftertaste. Erythritol is often used in baked goods and other low-calorie products.Erythritol is a popular artificial sweetener and sugar substitute. It is a polyol (sugar alcohol) that is naturally occurring in some fruits and fermented foods. Erythritol has a sweet taste, similar to sugar but with almost no calories. It is used as a sugar substitute in various products such as beverages, chewing gum, candies, desserts, and baked goods.
- Caloric content: 0.2 calories per gram
- Sweetness: approximately 70% as sweet as sugar
- Digestibility: poorly absorbed by the body
- Dental impact: non-cariogenic (does not contribute to tooth decay)
- Taste: similar to sugar with a slight cooling sensation
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1015votesMaltitol is a sugar alcohol that is about 90% as sweet as sugar. It is often used in sugar-free candy and other low-calorie products. Maltitol can have a laxative effect if consumed in large amounts.Maltitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used as an artificial sweetener. It has a similar taste and texture to sugar, but with fewer calories. Maltitol is often found in sugar-free and low-calorie products, including candies, baked goods, and beverages. It provides sweetness and bulk without causing a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. However, excessive consumption of maltitol may have a laxative effect.
- Chemical Formula: C12H24O11
- Molecular Weight: 344.31 g/mol
- Sweetness (compared to sucrose): approximately 90%
- Caloric Content: 2.1 calories per gram
- Glycemic Index: 35
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Ranking factors for popular artificial sweetener
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Consumer PreferencesAssess the preferences of consumers, such as taste, aftertaste, and overall satisfaction with the product.
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AvailabilityConsider the availability and distribution of each artificial sweetener in stores, restaurants, and online platforms.
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PriceCompare the prices of various artificial sweeteners to determine which ones are more affordable and accessible to consumers.
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Safety and RegulationsEvaluate the safety of each artificial sweetener based on scientific research, FDA approval, and any potential health concerns.
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VersatilityInvestigate the potential uses and applications of each artificial sweetener, such as cooking, baking, and beverage preparation.
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Brand RecognitionAnalyze brand recognition and reputation of each artificial sweetener on the market.
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Nutritional BenefitsResearch and compare the calorie reductions and potential health benefits of each artificial sweetener.
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Eco-FriendlinessAssess the environmental impact of the production, packaging, and disposal of each artificial sweetener.
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Consumer Reviews and TestimonialsCheck online reviews, ratings, and testimonials to gauge consumer satisfaction and experiences with different artificial sweeteners.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular artificial sweetener. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sweetener is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1229 views
- 176 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sweetener once every 24 hours. The rank of each sweetener is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular artificial sweetener
Artificial sweeteners have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are looking for ways to reduce their sugar intake. These sweeteners are low-calorie or zero-calorie alternatives to sugar, making them an attractive option for those trying to lose weight or manage their blood sugar levels.
There are several types of artificial sweeteners available on the market, including aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia. Aspartame is one of the most commonly used sweeteners and is found in popular products like diet soda and sugar-free gum. Saccharin, on the other hand, is an older sweetener that is still used in some products today. Sucralose is a newer sweetener that is gaining popularity due to its ability to taste like sugar without the calories. Lastly, stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant that has gained popularity in recent years due to its natural origin and low-calorie content.
While artificial sweeteners offer a low-calorie alternative to sugar, they are not without controversy. Some studies have suggested that they may have negative health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and other health problems. However, other studies have found no evidence of these negative effects, and many health organizations consider them safe for consumption in moderation.
Overall, artificial sweeteners are a popular option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake, but it is important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before incorporating them into your diet.
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