Sweeteners and sugar alcohols

In short: Sweeteners (for example aspartame, sucralose) and sugar alcohols (for example xylitol, erythritol) sweeten with few or no calories.

In more detail: Sweeteners are hundreds of times sweeter than sugar and are used in tiny amounts. Sugar alcohols (sorbitol E420, maltitol E965, xylitol E967, erythritol E968) have about half to two thirds of the calories of sugar and have a laxative effect in larger amounts.

In Depth

• Aspartame (E951): It is split into phenylalanine, hence the warning “contains a source of phenylalanine” for people with phenylketonuria. In 2023 IARC classed it as “possibly carcinogenic” (2B), while JECFA left the tolerable intake at 40 mg/kg body weight.
• Acesulfame K (E950), sucralose (E955), cyclamate (E952), saccharin (E954): calorie-free.
• Steviol glycosides (E960): from the stevia plant, listed as “sweetener” in the ingredient list.
• Erythritol: It is almost completely excreted but is now being studied for cardiovascular risks.
• Xylitol and dogs: Xylitol is life-threatening to dogs even in small amounts. Chewing gum and baked goods with xylitol must be kept out of reach.
• Habituation effect: The benefit for weight loss is disputed.

See also: E numbers (food additives), Hidden sugar in food