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Is there an artificial sweetener healthier than others?

Last Updated: May 27, 2009

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There are four popular artificial sweeteners: saccharin (Sweet-N-Low® and Sweet Twin®), aspartame (NutraSweet® and Equal®), acesulfame-K (Sunette® and Sweet One®), and sucralose (Splenda®). There is no one artificial sweetener considered healthier than others. Artificial sweeteners vary in taste; some taste more bitter than others. Artificial sweeteners also differ in their ability to withstand high temperatures. For example, acesulfame-K and sucralose can withstand long and high cooking temperatures and not lose sweetness, while aspartame may lose its sweetening power under prolonged heat. In addition, aspartame is not recommended for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU).

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