Bulk High-Intensity Sweeteners

A high-potency sweetener (also called a high-intensity or non-nutritive sweetener) is a food additive that delivers hundreds to thousands of times more sweetness than table sugar (sucrose) per unit weight, yet contributes virtually zero calories.

Intense sweeteners are ideal for reducing sugar and calories in foods and beverages—such as diet sodas, reduced-calorie confectionery, tabletop packets and nutraceuticals while maintaining sweetness and clean flavor.

The FDA has not banned aspartame. In fact, aspartame has been approved as a food additive in the United States since 1981 and is recognized as safe by the FDA, EFSA and WHO when consumed below its established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

Yes. Stevia refers to steviol glycosides extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana and is FDA-approved as a high-intensity sweetener that is 200–450× sweeter than sucrose.

Advantame is currently the most potent FDA-approved high-intensity sweetener, at up to 20,000 times the sweetness of table sugar.

Stevia (steviol glycosides) is plant-derived and considered “natural.” Monk fruit extract (mogrosides) is another natural high-intensity sweetener, though it’s regulated separately.

Allulose is not yet authorized as a “novel food” by EFSA, so it cannot be marketed in the EU. Companies must submit a Novel Food application before it gains approval.

The FDA has approved six high-intensity sweeteners as food additives:

• Saccharin

• Aspartame

• Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)

• Sucralose

• Neotame

• Advantame

Under the Food Additive Petition and GRAS processes, the FDA evaluates safety data and sets an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for each sweetener. Approved sweeteners must be listed by name (or E-number) on ingredient labels.

• Diet and zero-sugar beverages

• Sugar-free chewing gum

• Reduced-calorie yogurt and dairy desserts

• Sugar-free confections and baked goods

• Tabletop sweetener packets

• Nutraceutical and pharmaceutical formulations

Yes. Extensive toxicological studies and ongoing reviews by FDA, EFSA and WHO conclude that high-intensity sweeteners are safe when consumed below their ADI.

People with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid aspartame because it contains phenylalanine. Individuals sensitive to certain sweeteners may also experience digestive discomfort with some types.

Yes. Sugar alcohols (polyols) like erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol provide bulk sweetness with fewer calories but are not classified as high-intensity sweeteners.