Low- and no-calorie sweeteners give some of our favorite beverages and foods a sweet taste without the extra calories. But how much do you know about them?

Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are some of the most researched ingredients in the world. A substantial body of research, including human clinical trials, support the safety and efficacy of low- and no-calorie sweeteners. The CHOICE study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, confirms that low- and no-calorie beverages can be an important tool in helping reduce calories. Additionally, a study published earlier this year in the journal Obesity showed that participants who drank low- and no- calorie beverages versus water alone not only lost weight and kept it off, but reported feeling less hungry.

The World Health Organization, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have all deemed low- and no-calorie sweeteners as safe for use in foods and beverages. In fact, EFSA deemed these sweeteners safe for use by all populations, including pregnant women and children.

A recent article on Business Insider provides more information about the safety of each individual sweetener, including aspartame, Stevia, saccharin (Sweet’n Low) and sucralose (Splenda).

The science is clear – low- and no-calorie sweeteners whether in soda, yogurt or anything sweet are safe to consume and can help you manage your weight. Check out LetsClearItUp.org for more information on the science behind your food and drinks.