### Understanding Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Have you ever picked up a “low sugar” instant oatmeal or “less sugar” soda to cut back on sugar? These products often use a mix of regular sugar and non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose or stevia. This combination helps reduce the total sugar content while keeping the sweet taste. #### The Rise of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Sales of foods and drinks with these sweeteners are increasing. From 2002 to 2018, products with both regular and non-nutritive sweeteners saw a 30% rise in sales. Sweeteners like rebaudioside A (stevia) and sucralose (Splenda) are becoming more popular, while older ones like aspartame and saccharin are declining. #### What Are Non-Nutritive Sweeteners? Non-nutritive sweeteners, sometimes called “artificial” sweeteners, are very sweet but have few or no calories. Some, like stevia, come from plants, so calling them “artificial” isn’t entirely accurate. They are often used in beverages, instant oatmeal, and dried fruits. #### Are They Safe? The FDA says these sweeteners are safe, but opinions vary. Some studies link them to weight gain and type 2 diabetes, while others show no such effects. If you have diabetes, these sweeteners can help control blood sugar without giving up sweet drinks. However, their effectiveness for weight loss is still debated. #### Personal Reactions Some people experience headaches or bloating from these sweeteners. If you do, it’s best to avoid them. If you don’t have any issues, moderate consumption is generally fine. #### A Balanced Approach The constant craving for sweet foods and drinks can be problematic. Reducing overall sweetness in products might help people appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and vegetables. Always check the ingredient list for terms like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin to know if a product contains non-nutritive sweeteners. #### Conclusion While non-nutritive sweeteners can be useful, especially for people with diabetes, it’s important to be mindful of your overall sweet intake. Reading labels and making informed choices can help you maintain a balanced diet.