Other sweeteners

Acesulphame-K
Acesulphame-K is not metabolised or stored in the body. After it’s consumed, it’s quickly absorbed by the body and then rapidly excreted unchanged.

It’s been claimed that acesulphame-K is associated with tumours of the lungs and glands in rats, and with increased cholesterol levels in diabetic rats. But more than 90 studies have verified its safety.

Alitame, neotame and thaumatin
There’s no evidence of any harmful effects from this group of sweeteners. Thaumatin has no Acceptable Daily Intake (that’s because it’s considered to have a very good safety profile).

Cyclamate
Animal studies in the 1960s suggested cyclamate was carcinogenic. This is no longer considered the case and it’s approved in many countries.

Saccharin
Saccharin has been linked with bladder cancer but there’s no definitive evidence it’s carcinogenic.

Stevia
The newest sweetening additive allowed is stevia (specifically steviol glycosides), approved in 2008. Stevia is extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant and is considered a more natural sweetener than its artificial counterparts. It has been approved for use in many countries. But it has been controversial: the US Center for Science in the Public Interest says it’s been inadequately tested. There have also been issues with its aftertaste (see Our tasting).

Sucralose
Sucralose is the only intense sweetener made from sugar. It’s chemically altered so can’t be digested. Numerous studies verify that it has no carcinogenic, neurologic or reproductive risk.

Sugar alcohols
Sugar alcohols such as erythritol and xylitol also act as sweeteners. They’re generally less sweet than sugar and are often used for their other properties (emulsifiers or thickeners). They can’t be fully digested, so eating too much can lead to diarrhoea. Erythritol and xylitol don’t have an Acceptable Daily Intake because they’re considered to have a very good safety profile.

“Better-for-you” sugar

Chelsea Sugar is developing products for people looking for “better for you” options. First on the New Zealand market is Chelsea LoGICane – a low-GI cane sugar. LoGICane is raw sugar that has had molasses extract sprayed on it, resulting in a product with a lower GI than sucrose. Low-GI foods are useful for people with diabetes because they have a lower impact on blood-glucose levels. But LoGICane is still 100 percent cane sugar: weight-wise, it packs the same kilojoule punch as regular sugar.