Sucralose is one of the most popular and common artificial sweeteners in the world, and it provides sweetness 400 to 700 times that of white sugar, with almost no calories. It is created through a chemical process in which three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced in the sugar molecule (sucrose) by three chlorine atoms – which makes it a substance that is very heat resistant and therefore also suitable for baking.
For years, sucralose (sold under many brands including Sucrazit or Splenda) has been considered a “safe sweetener” approved by health authorities: It passes through the digestive system with almost no absorption, which leaves it without a significant effect on blood sugar and insulin levels.
But while pure sucralose is just one molecule, it is difficult to measure and distribute it accurately because of its high sweetness intensity – most of the products we purchase (in tablets, powder or liquid) contain added ingredients that we consume together with the sweetener.
Before you choose your next sweetener, it is worth getting to know some of these ingredients and their possible effects.
Dextrose
Dextrose is glucose usually derived from corn starch. As far as the body is concerned, it functions exactly like any other simple sugar: it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can spike sugar levels, but this happens especially if consumed in large amounts or without fiber and fat that balance the absorption. So where is it found?
1. In “sugar-free” sweeteners like sucralose: This is one of the biggest surprises. Sucralose is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, which is why the substance itself in granular form is almost impossible to measure at home. To turn it into powder that can be used by the teaspoon – dextrose is added to it.
In fact, most of the packet is actually dextrose, and the 3 calories displayed on the package come from it. But the amount is tiny, and therefore it has no metabolic significance, not even for people with diabetes.
2. In industrial baked goods: Dextrose provides a uniform and nice browning color, a softer texture, improved freshness, so you will find it in biscuits, “healthy” breads and even in savory pastries where you would not expect to find sugar at all.
3. In energy drinks and sports powders: Since it is pure glucose, it has an advantage from this perspective, because the body uses it immediately. This is the reason endurance athletes consume it in gels during running, and it also appears in recovery drinks and protein powders.
It is not “healthy,” but energetically it does the job.
4. In sweetened yogurts, processed cheeses and sauces, and even in ice creams and candies: Dextrose improves texture, gives gentle sweetness and maintains uniformity. In industrial sauces like barbecue or vinaigrette — you will often see it instead of sugar.
It prevents crystallization in ice cream, keeps gum soft, contributes stability to candies and therefore you will find it in almost every sweet industrial product.
Effect in the body – like sugar?
Studies on dextrose refer to it as part of the simple sugar group. Recent studies have found that increased consumption of simple sugars in general, regardless of their source, is linked to an increase in insulin resistance in healthy adults. Meaning, the body “gets tired” of insulin activity when it is repeatedly exposed to sharp rises in glucose.
Dextrose is no different from other simple sugars in this effect.
But inside sucralose? Does it matter? No. The amount there is so tiny (less than one gram per serving), that the effect on sugar and insulin levels is completely negligible.
Even people with diabetes can use it in such an amount without concern as long as the doses are reasonable.
The problem is in places where it appears in large quantities.
Additional substances you may find inside your sucralose
Benzoic Acid
Benzoic acid is a long-standing preservative found naturally in small amounts in fruits such as cranberries, plums and cinnamon, and in the food industry it is added mainly to beverages, sauces, baked goods and jams to stop the development of yeasts, molds and bacteria.
Is it harmful? At low concentrations, benzoic acid is considered safe. But there are several points worth knowing: According to studies, the substance may trigger digestive irritation in sensitive people (especially children).
In addition, a study published in the Journal of Food Science found that children who consumed drinks with benzoic acid reported more hyperactivity symptoms, skin irritation and stomach discomfort compared to children who avoided it.
Benzoic acid is safe for daily consumption in standard amounts, but it is not recommended to consume it in large amounts over time, especially from sweetened beverages.
Calcium Lactate
Another substance you will find in many products, including in your sweeteners.
Calcium lactate is a calcium supplement added to food to improve texture and strengthen the product (for example in enriched orange juice, yogurts and baby foods). It is considered one of the safer calcium supplements, because it is well absorbed in the digestive system and does not cause constipation like calcium carbonate.
Studies show that consuming calcium lactate in dietary doses is not harmful to health, and it even contributes to strengthening bones and teeth in cases of calcium deficiency.
The only downside: In very large amounts it may cause stomach discomfort. In regular industrial use in food it is considered completely safe.
Bottom line
Despite the fact that commercial sucralose products sometimes contain additional fillers (such as maltodextrin) or preservatives that should be noted, sucralose itself remains one of the most researched and safest artificial sweeteners for use.
It offers a reliable and calorie-free solution without significant impact on blood sugar levels. Therefore, it proudly stands alongside the new generation of recommended sweeteners, such as stevia (plant-based), monk fruit and allulose (a rare sugar).
When choosing a sweetener, remember to check the ingredient list and choose a product that contains the minimum additives, but do not fear sucralose itself as a great alternative for reducing sugar consumption.
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