Low- or no- calorie sweeteners are among the most researched ingredients in the food supply. However, you may have heard some claims that these sweeteners are not safe. It can sometimes be hard to differentiate between what’s fact and what’s fiction, so we’ve put together a quick list of facts about these sweeteners:

Fact: Low- and no-calorie sweeteners have been approved by regulatory agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization, U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority.

Fact: All approved low- and no-calorie sweeteners are safe for use in foods and beverages and can be a way to add a little sweetness to your favorite beverage with few (or no) calories!

Fact: Low- and no-calorie sodas, which are 99 percent water, have been proven to be an effective tool for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Don’t fall for some of the scare tactic articles you may come across and remember that it’s important to remember to always check the sources of something you read on the internet to make sure the information comes from a reliable source. Resources like Calorie Control Council  and the International Food Information Council Foundation are great places to go to find science-backed information about food and beverages.