Once upon a time, sugar lovers revelled in the joy of their favourite sweet treats without giving much thought to the consequences. But then came the wake-up call from WHO (World Health Organization), painting a bleak picture of excessive sugar consumption linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. Suddenly, sugar aficionados found themselves at a crossroads, seeking an alternative that would let them have their cake while cutting down on calories.

Enter artificial sweeteners, the sugar substitutes that promised the sweetness without the guilt. These sweeteners seemed like the perfect solution for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without the health risks. But as scientists delved into the potential impacts of switching from sugar to artificial sweeteners, a heated debate ignited, leaving us all wondering about the truth behind these sweeteners.

World of Artificial Sweeteners

The credit for the magic behind foods and drinks that taste sweet without the extra calories goes to sugar substitutes, also known as non-nutritive sweeteners or high-intensity sweeteners. These substitutes replace regular table sugar (sucrose) to add sweetness to our favourite indulgences.

Artificial sweeteners come in a range of sweetness levels, some being 200 to 20,000 times sweeter than regular sugar. This means only tiny amounts are needed to achieve the same level of sweetness. Since they are used in such small quantities, the calories they contribute to your diet are almost negligible.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved several artificial sweeteners, including saccharin sodium, aspartame, acesulfame potassium and sucralose, for use in food. These sweeteners have made their way into various products, presenting consumers with a plethora of sugar-free options.

Talking about Aspartame and Beyond

Marketed as a suitable option for those longing for ‘no or low-calorie’, ‘diet’ or ‘zero sugar’ alternatives, aspartame has gained popularity in recent times. It is used in foods, beverages, and even some medications. It can be found in diet drinks (Diet Coke), gelatin, ice cream, yogurt, breakfast cereals, chewing gums (Happydent), toothpastes and even as a flavouring in medicines like cough drops (Halls) and chewable vitamins. It has become a go-to table-top sweetener (Equal, Sugar Free) for many, offering an affordable and intensely sweet solution.

But there's a twist to the story. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the WHO, has classified aspartame as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’. To decipher the term ‘carcinogenic, let’s have a look below on the IARC’s 4 levels of classification of cancer-causing products.

Aspartame falls into Group 2B classification – ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’. However, it is important to note that the evidence is limited, calling for further investigation into aspartame’s health effects rather than an immediate warning to stop consuming the sweetener altogether, says the sources.

The acceptable daily intake of aspartame has been regarded as 40 mg per kg of body weight (per day), which brings us to the below understanding:

The Battle Between Health and Cost

Aspartame's popularity persists for several reasons. Notably, it is low-cost and has been refined over the years, making it a preferred choice for many food and beverage manufacturers. Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1974, companies have extensive data on its usage, making it easier to incorporate into various products.

Additionally, aspartame's sweetness intensity enhances certain flavours, making it ideal for beverages and gum. However, its limitations include a loss of sweetness when exposed to heat, restricting its use in baked goods.

The Revelation and Contingency Planning

In May 2023, the WHO warned against artificial sweeteners, stating that they are not helpful for weight loss and may even increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This announcement prompted major beverage companies to engage in contingency planning, experimenting with various sweeteners to ensure that the taste and quality of their diet beverages remain consistent.

While the industry analyses the impact of the WHO's announcements, consumer demand will play a significant role in determining any changes to recipes. Beverage companies are unlikely to alter their formulas unless there is a substantial decline in consumer demand resulting from the report.

The Market Impact and What Lies Ahead

The sweetener market, both globally and in India, has witnessed substantial growth. The increasing awareness of health concerns related to excessive sugar consumption has fuelled the demand for sugar alternatives. However, the potential risks associated with artificial sweeteners, including the recent concerns over aspartame, may impact consumer behaviour and brand loyalty.

As the market dynamics evolve, brands will need to adapt their strategies, reformulate products, and invest in rebuilding consumer trust. This challenge is not unprecedented, as we have seen companies successfully navigate much worst crises in the past, such as Nestlé India bringing back Maggi after a temporary ban.

At this juncture, it would be interesting to have glimpse at the highlights of the survey conducted by LocalCircles to understand how many Indian citizens consume artificial sweeteners and in what form.

Seeking the Sweet Balance

In the face of conflicting information, it is essential to approach artificial sweeteners with caution. Incorporating them into a healthy diet, alongside fruits, vegetables and less-processed foods, can support weight loss efforts. However, it's crucial to remember that artificial sweeteners are not a magic solution and should be part of a mindful approach to food choices.

Amidst the ongoing debate, it's essential to make informed decisions about what we put into our bodies. Artificial sweeteners may offer a sweet escape from excessive sugar consumption, but the potential risks should not be ignored.