Artificial Sweetener Wars: Splenda Vs. Sweet N Low
Splenda
Splenda is the brand name for an artificial sweetener made with sucralose and maltodextrin. Sucralose is six hundred times sweeter than natural sugar and unlike other artificial sweeteners, it can be substituted in recipes in the same amount as the recipe calls for in sugar; cup for cup. Some bakers find better results opting for halfing the recipe; half in Splenda and half in natural sugar. Sucralose is made by a sugar cane molecule, so it is based in natural sugar. They substitute three hydrogen-oxygen groups with three chlorine atoms in the sugar molecule.
The Good of Splenda
Splenda has had the least amount of controversy with the consumer groups of all the artificial sweeteners on the market. They have a good track record in this regard. Sucralose has no calories and isn’t viewed as a carbohydrate in the body’s natural state. Splenda has no noticeable effect on the body’s blood sugar level. With over 110 studies under its belt, the FDA says that sucralose has no toxic effects and has no reproductive or neurological risk posed to people. This is good news to those that were former saccharin users.
The Bad of Splenda
Sucralose has no calories and isn’t viewed as a carbohydrate in the body’s natural state, however the bulking agent has 12 calories per tablespoon. When Splenda is used as the only sweetener in a baking recipe, the recipe may have a funny taste and the texture of the recipe may be altered. This is why most bakers use a half and half mix of splenda and regular sugar. There are some critics that, despite the FDA testing, say preliminary animal research indicates organ damage to Splenda usage.
Sweet ‘N Low
Sweet ‘N Low is the brand name for the artificial sweetener made from saccharin. Saccharin is three hundred times sweeter than actual sugar. It is made from an organic molecule out of petroleum.
The Good of Sweet ‘N Low
There is a huge following of the “little pink pack”. The heat doesn’t affect its sweetness, so it can be used equally as well in hot beverages and the like as in cold. Sweet ‘N Low’s warning label on saccharin was dropped in 2000; the label had been put on after bladder cancer was found in lab rats that were fed saccharin.
The Bad of Sweet ‘N Low
The AMA’s Council on Scientific Affairs advises that parents and/or caregivers limit the intake of Sweet ‘N Low and other saccharin products to young children, as there isn’t enough information as to how it will affect them. Saccharin can cross from mother to child via the placenta, and the AMA’s Council on Scientific Affairs advises that women who are pregnant limit their use of it. Also, since 1981, there have been government reports that saccharin is a “anticipated human carcinogen”, although there isn’t support for this.
