A Look at Natural and Artificial Choices: Benefits, Safety, and Myths. 

Artificial sweeteners provide a way to enjoy sweetness without the added calories or blood sugar spikes associated with regular sugar. However, concerns about their safety have led to ongoing debate. Many research studies use unrealistically high doses to observe effects in animals, which may not reflect typical levels for human consumption. While excessive intake of any ingredient can have negative effects, these research findings should be carefully evaluated and backed up by clinical studies that demonstrate harm.

In our powders, we use small amounts of sorbitol, xylitol, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) to enhance taste and provide powder granularity while keeping sugar content low. These ingredients have been extensively researched and approved by global health organizations, but it’s important to understand their effects and how they compare to other alternatives, such as stevia and monk fruit.

Sorbitol: A Mildly Sweet Sugar Alcohol with Gut Health Considerations

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol naturally found in certain fruits, such as apples, pears, and peaches. It is about 50-60% as sweet as sugar, making it a less intense sweetener compared to xylitol. Sorbitol is often used in sugar-free candies, chewing gum, and diet foods due to its ability to provide sweetness while contributing fewer calories than sugar (Livesey, 2007).

A key characteristic of sorbitol is its ability to attract water into the intestines, which can help alleviate constipation in some individuals (Lamport et al., 2011). However, this same effect can lead to bloating or laxative effects when consumed in excess, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive sensitivities. Because our products contain minute amounts that are far below daily maximum values, they are safe to consume even in children and pregnant women.

Xylitol: A Sugar Alcohol with Dental and Metabolic Benefits

Xylitol is another naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in small amounts in fruits and vegetables. It is commonly used in sugar-free gum, toothpaste, and low-sugar food products because of its unique ability to prevent tooth decay by reducing bacteria in the mouth (Mäkinen, 2016). Unlike regular sugar, xylitol has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause rapid blood sugar spikes, making it a safer alternative for individuals with diabetes (Viguiliouk et al., 2016). Like sorbitol, xylitol may lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating or diarrhea when ingested in large amounts, due to its slow absorption in the digestive tract. 

Aspartame: One of the Most Studied Sweeteners

Aspartame is an FDA-approved artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and other low-calorie products. Once ingested, aspartame breaks down into three components: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol—all of which are naturally found in foods such as meat, dairy, and fruits (Magnuson et al., 2007).

One key concern with aspartame is its potential health effects. Some studies have suggested possible links to headaches or neurological effects, but comprehensive reviews by the FDA, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO) have found no conclusive evidence of harm when consumed within acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels (EFSA, 2013). However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame because their bodies cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine. Since our products are well below maximal daily intake levels, there is no risk even if consumed with other products that contain aspartame.

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K): A Heat-Stable Sweetener

Acesulfame potassium, commonly referred to as Ace-K, is another zero-calorie sweetener with better flavor than aspartame and used in many sugar-free products. Like aspartame, it is 200 times sweeter than sugar, but it has the added benefit of being heat-stable, making it suitable for baking and cooking. Ace-K is not metabolized by the body and is excreted unchanged, meaning it does not contribute to calorie intake (Renwick, 1990).

Some early studies in the 1970s raised concerns about Ace-K’s potential cancer risk based on animal studies. However, subsequent decade-long research and reviews by the FDA and EFSA have found no credible evidence linking Ace-K to cancer or other health issues at normal consumption levels (Magnuson et al., 2016).

Are "Natural" Sweeteners Like Stevia and Monk Fruit Safer?

Many consumers turn to natural sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit extract, believing they are safer than artificial options. However, these sweeteners undergo significant processing before they reach store shelves, raising questions about whether they are truly “more natural” than aspartame or Ace-K.

Stevia is extracted from the Stevia rebaudiana plant, but the sweet compounds (steviol glycosides) must be chemically isolated, purified, and processed to remove the plant’s naturally bitter taste. This typically involves ethanol or methanol extraction and additional purification steps (Prakash et al., 2008).

Monk fruit sweetener is derived from the Siraitia grosvenorii fruit, but the extraction process involves solvents, filtration, and enzymatic treatments to isolate the mogrosides, which provide the sweet taste (Li et al., 2014).

Despite their plant origins, these extraction and purification processes mean that stevia and monk fruit are no less processed than artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Ace-K, and moreover use chemicals to extract them. Additionally, safety evaluations of both natural and artificial sweeteners indicate that neither category poses a greater health risk when consumed in moderation (Carakostas et al., 2008).

Erythritol: A Sugar Alcohol Under Review

Erythritol is a popular sugar alcohol used in many sugar-free and keto-friendly products due to its zero-calorie nature and minimal impact on blood sugar levels. It is naturally found in small amounts in fruits and fermented foods but is commercially produced through fermentation. Unlike other sugar alcohols like xylitol and sorbitol, erythritol is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted unchanged, reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort (Munro et al., 1998).

In addition to being used as a standalone sweetener, erythritol is frequently blended with stevia as a bulking agent. Since pure stevia extract (steviol glycosides) is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, erythritol helps dilute its intensity, improve texture, and create a more sugar-like consistency in powdered sweetener blends.

In 2023, the FDA reviewed a scientific paper suggesting a potential link between erythritol consumption and cardiovascular effects. However, the agency determined that the observational studies cited in the paper did not establish a causal relationship between erythritol intake and the reported health effects. The FDA continues to monitor research on erythritol and other sweeteners to ensure safety as new data emerges. As with all sweeteners, moderation is key, and erythritol remains an FDA-approved ingredient in food products.

Summary: Safe in Moderation

The artificial sweeteners in our powders—sorbitol, xylitol, aspartame, and Ace-K—are extensively studied and considered safe for consumption within regulatory limits. They provide sweetness without excess calories and are approved by global health organizations, including the FDA, WHO, and EFSA. While alternative sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit may appear more natural, they undergo extensive processing, and current research does not suggest they are safer or healthier than artificial options.

As with all ingredients, moderation is key, and individual preferences and tolerances may vary. The best approach is a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods while using sweeteners—natural or artificial—responsibly.