You're probably familiar with Nutrasweet^TM and Sweet & Low^TM and perhaps a few other artificial sweeteners.  Ever wonder if they're safe?

Well, the major ingredient in Sweet & Low^TM (which comes in the characteristic pink pack) is a chemical called Saccharin.  

Saccharin still used? Because its probably the least expensive artificial sweetener on the planet and as more cancer research is performed, it seems that nearly anything "may cause cancer".  On the other hand, Nutrasweet^TM is primarily composed of Apartame (developed by Monsanto of St. Louis, MO).  Aspartame has yet to be proven significantly harmful.  You may want to keep this in mind the next time you're at the grocery store, but also remember that moderation could be you're safest bet.

Figure 1: U.S. Demand for Sweetners

Figure 2: Value of U.S. Sweetner Market

Figure 3: U.S. Price per Pound for Sweetners

In the September 1998 edition of Chemical Engineering magazine, Agnes Shanley and Mildred Santos report that the U.S. consumes 50% of the global production of artificial sweeteners.  Perhaps even more amazing are the projections expected through the year 2005 for these two sweeteners. The charts below were compiled from data provided by the Fredonia Group.  The data shows what negative press can do to a chemical in the U.S. Don't forget though, sugar still works!

Article Update

Since this article was originally published, some longer terms research and market experience has shown that Nutrasweet is not a safe alternative to sugar for everyone.  Some people have reported severe side effects from Nutrasweet (aspartame) as well as from saccharin. 

Now, there is a new sweetner on the market called "Splenda" which is composed of a chemical called sucralose.  Essentially, sugar is fed to a processing plant and the sugar molecules are chlorinated and rearranged.  Sucralose is not recognized as sugar in the body, thus is does not raise glucose level which is a key concern for people suffering from diabetes.  Currently, no long term, reliable research data is available for Splenda. 

As you continue to browse the internet and seek further information on artificial sweetners, you'll see opinions from everyone.  Some will make it a point to emphasize that Splenda contains chlorine.  Keep in mind that just because a chemical compound contains chlorine, does not necessarily make it evil.  Is Splenda safe?  The truth is that no one really knows.  If you browse the internet on this topic long enough, you'll be scared to eat anything!  As is always the case, consumption in moderation is the best course of action.  If you have to use an artificial sweetner at this time, you have several choice.  Some have long term research and some do not.   You'll have to make an informed decision.  Also of Note...

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