It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that consumers can safely
enjoy a range of nutritive sweeteners and nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) when consumed
within an eating plan that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations,
such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes, as
well as individual health goals and personal preference. A preference for sweet taste is
innate and sweeteners can increase the pleasure of eating. Nutritive sweeteners contain
carbohydrate and provide energy. They occur naturally in foods or may be added in food
processing or by consumers before consumption. Higher intake of added sugars is associated
with higher energy intake and lower diet quality, which can increase the risk for
obesity, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. On average, adults in
the United States consume 14.6% of energy from added sugars. Polyols (also referred to
as sugar alcohols) add sweetness with less energy and may reduce risk for dental caries.
Foods containing polyols and/or no added sugars can, within food labeling guidelines, be
labeled as sugar-free. NNS are those that sweeten with minimal or no carbohydrate or
energy. They are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as food additives or
generally recognized as safe. The Food and Drug Administration approval process includes
determination of probable intake, cumulative effect from all uses, and toxicology
studies in animals. Seven NNS are approved for use in the United States: acesulfame K,
aspartame, luo han guo fruit extract, neotame, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose. They
have different functional properties that may affect perceived taste or use in different
food applications. All NNS approved for use in the United States are determined to be
safe.