Hazel RiggallClinical Specialist Paediatric Dietitian

An overview of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes

What’s new? Recipes Questions

Calorie -free Aspartame E951(Canderel), Saccharin E954 (Hermesetas) Acesulfame K E950 (Hermesetas Gold- also

contains Aspartame) Stevia (Truvia, Hermesetas Stevia) NEWLow calorie Sucralose E955 (Splenda)

Extracted from a plant related to daisies, sunflowers and chrysanthemum (Stevia) found in S. America

Leaves used by indigenous population to sweeten drinks since 1800’s

Available in sachets or jar as a powder ⅓ teaspoon Truvia = 1 teaspoon sugar 300 x sweeter than sugar (sucrose) Approved for use in EU in Nov 2011

Sugar alcohols or Polyols (sorbitol, maltilol, xylitol, isomalt)

Generally, not recommended as not ‘calorie- free’ and have a laxative effect, especially in young

Exceptions: Sugar-free gum (recommended by dentists as

‘toothkind’) –xylitol Small amount of sweets (1-2 at a time)-isomalt

Commonly added to many products Sometimes used in products labelled as

suitable for 'Diabetics' Same energy value as ordinary sugar Expensive if bought in powder form but

cheap to produce Can have a laxative effect

All sweeteners have been approved by Food Standard Agency (FSA) and in EU by European Food safety Authority (EFSA)

Rigorous testing and 100’s scientific papers published

Safe doses (acceptable daily intake or ADI) established. Unlikely to overdose

'Scare' stories appear in media/websites –treat with scepticism

6 recipes developed…so far ! Thai style turkey burgers Shepherds pie Basic vegetable soup Lemon and chilli chicken noodles Simple pizza Chocolate fondue/fruit for dipping Any further ideas to develop???

Thank you