Low- and no-calorie sweeteners can be found in a range of food and beverages that Americans enjoy, but is consuming these sweeteners a problem? A recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics grabbed headlines announcing that there has been a “200 percent increase in kids' use of artificial sweeteners.” However, the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC) looked at the study and found that despite the headlines, there isn’t much to it.

“While NHANES analyses can be extremely useful in identifying trends and generating hypotheses for future research, they cannot establish cause and effect. To put it simply, this study doesn’t tell us if the uptick in the reported consumption of LNCS-containing products is having a positive or negative effect on health."

We’ve discussed here on Sip & Savor the body of scientific evidence that shows low- and no-calorie sweeteners are not only safe but also effective. IFIC reiterates the same, pointing out that “[i]n evaluating evidence from the highest quality LNCS studies (i.e. randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses of those trials), the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans found positive effects on body weight, calorie intake, and adiposity (body fat) in children and adults when calorie-containing sugars are replaced with LNCSs. And this isn’t just an American thing. The European Food Safety Authority has also conducted numerous reviews and come to similar conclusions.”

Americans are using low- and no-calorie sweeteners for all sorts of reasons - to cut calories, sugar or just because of the taste. As an industry, we are doing our part by providing more low- and no-calorie beverage options to help people cut back on calories and sugar. We’re offering more products so you can find a beverage that will best fit your lifestyle.

To read the full IFIC article, click here.