Fitness
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is Sucralose?

Liz Thomas
Liz Thomas

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener used in place of sugar. It is much sweeter than many other artificial sweeteners, but is not easily absorbed by the human body. This chemical is not found in nature and is synthesized in manufacturing plants. It is normally used in beverage and food products as a replacement for sugar and other natural and artificial sweeteners.

Sucralose is made by adding chloride molecules to selective spots on a sucrose molecule. Hydroxyl groups consist of an oxygen and hydrogen molecule. Three chloride molecules are added. Acetylation and chlorination make the molecule replacement. The protection is removed from the selected hydroxyl groups, with the final molecule being sucralose.

A diet soda containing sucralose.
A diet soda containing sucralose.

The properties of sucralose are different from regular sugar and other sweeteners. Sucralose is 600 times as sweet as sucrose. It is three times sweeter than aspartame and two times sweeter than saccharin. This sweetener is stable under a range of pH's and heat. Unlike other artificial sweeteners, sucralose can be used for cooking and baking as it will not degrade.

This sugar replacement is an ingredient in many low or no-calorie products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of this product in foods in 1998. Products containing it are widely available in grocery stores and food outlets.

Sucralose can be used in place of sugar.
Sucralose can be used in place of sugar.

In its purest form, sucralose alone does not contain any calories. Some products containing it are mixed with fillers, including dextrose and maltodextrin. These fillers may contain some calories, though overall the calorie content is generally less than five calories per serving.

This molecule is not absorbed by the body as the addition of chloride molecules means that it can no longer fit into sweetness receptors in the body. The chlorine makes the fructose part of the molecule more hydrophobic, or unable to mix with water. Binding in the body is no longer possible and the molecule simply passes through the digestive system.

Some people prefer to sweeten their coffee with natural stevia instead of artificial sucralose.
Some people prefer to sweeten their coffee with natural stevia instead of artificial sucralose.

Unlike many artificial sweeteners, sucralose is largely considered safe for human consumption, according to the Center for Science in Public Interest. No major side effects were found in 110 studies when the estimated daily intake was followed. There are no known carcinogenic effects and the product is considered safe for individuals with diabetes. There are also no known environmental effects to this sweetener products and disposal.

Discussion Comments

Buster29

After my wife told me she was getting headaches after drinking diet sodas with aspartame, I decided to look into the sucralose vs aspartame controversy myself. I didn't want to start consuming a lot of products containing sucralose until I researched things like sucralose side effects and possible dangers.

I would say that concerns over possible sucralose dangers, especially cancer, are a little exaggerated. I wouldn't want to eat a hundred pounds of the stuff every day, but that's true for a lot of other chemicals most of us consume. I much prefer sucralose to other artificial sweeteners for baking purposes. I might consider using xylitol or sorbitol instead of powdered sugar, but for all other purposes I'd use sucralose.

Inaventu

Of all the artificial sweeteners currently on the market, I think I prefer sucralose the best. It's still not an exact substitute for regular sugar, but I think it's the closest. Stevia and aspartame have too much of a chemical aftertaste in my opinion. If I get a diet soft drink, I always look for one sweetened with sucralose. I grew up when saccharine was the only artificial sweetener available, and I was afraid to try any of the newer sweeteners after that experience.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A diet soda containing sucralose.
      By: gtranquillity
      A diet soda containing sucralose.
    • Sucralose can be used in place of sugar.
      By: Coprid
      Sucralose can be used in place of sugar.
    • Some people prefer to sweeten their coffee with natural stevia instead of artificial sucralose.
      By: al62
      Some people prefer to sweeten their coffee with natural stevia instead of artificial sucralose.
    • The majority of a diabetic's diet should be composed of unprocessed foods, although the occasional sugar substitute is OK for most people.
      By: Gordan Jankulov
      The majority of a diabetic's diet should be composed of unprocessed foods, although the occasional sugar substitute is OK for most people.
    • Sucralose is used as a sweetener in many sugar free and no sugar added beverages.
      By: verca
      Sucralose is used as a sweetener in many sugar free and no sugar added beverages.