Artificial Sweeteners are non-caloric food additives that provide sugar-like sweetness but contain nil or significantly fewer calories. Some are derived from plants or herbs, or from Sugar itself. Saccharin, the 1st non-caloric sweetener discovered in 1879, was followed by Cyclamate which is allowed in limited quantities in Canada & Europe but is banned in USA & S. Korea.

Aspartame & Acesulfame-K were discovered in the 60’s. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates Low-Calorie Sweeteners (LCS) as food additives. Presently 8 types of LCS have been approved by the USFDA for use in Beverages and many foods like frozen desserts, yogurt, candies, baked goods, chewing gum, breakfast cereals, gelatins, puddings, and in some medications. The other 5 are Neotame, Stevia, Luo han Guo (Monk Fruit Extract), Sucralose & Advantame which is 20,000 times sweeter than sugar.

Reasons for LCS use are Weight & Diabetes Control, Dental Decay, and Pleasant Taste. Drawbacks include Stability issues (may undergo Chemical Changes under high-temperature Baking), and Nutritive & Calorie Intake issues (replacing nutritious drinks like low-fat milk with LCS).

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved 6 artificial sweeteners, namely Saccharin, Aspartame, Acesulfame-K, Sucralose, Neotame, and Isomaltulose for use in food.

EFRAC undertakes the Analysis of all Artificial Sweeteners, across various Food & Agri Commodities, Processed & Packaged Foods etc.