Sucralose

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute derived from sucrose (table sugar) by chemically replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. This modification makes sucralose about 600 times sweeter than sucrose, but it provides almost no calories because most of it passes through the body without being metabolized for energy.

Appearance: Odorless white to off-white crystalline powder or fine crystals.

Solubility: Highly soluble in water, also soluble in methanol and ethanol; slightly soluble in ethyl acetate.

Melting Point: 125–136 °C.

Sucralose powder contains about 3.3 to 3.4 calories per gram, mainly due to the bulking agents (such as dextrose or maltodextrin) present in commercial products like Splenda; pure sucralose itself contributes virtually no calories.

• • Typically, per 1 gram serving, sucralose products contain about 0 grams of fat and protein, and roughly 0.9 grams of carbohydrates (mostly from bulking agents, not sucralose itself).

  • The sugar content is very low, around 0.8 grams per gram serving in sweetener packets containing bulking agents.

  • Sucralose is considered a non-nutritive sweetener, meaning it provides negligible energy and does not affect insulin or blood sugar levels significantly.

  • Commercial sucralose products include bulking ingredients to provide volume, which accounts for the small caloric and carbohydrate values, not the sucralose molecule itself.

Sucralose benefits primarily arise from its role as a zero-calorie artificial sweetener providing sweetness without added calories or sugar-related drawbacks. Key benefits include:

• Weight Management: Sucralose allows people to reduce caloric intake by substituting sugar, which can aid weight loss and maintenance when combined with a balanced diet. It does not provide calories or initiate an insulin response, making it useful in calorie control.

• Dental Health: Unlike sugar, sucralose is not metabolized by oral bacteria and does not contribute to tooth decay or cavities. This makes it non-cariogenic and tooth-friendly.

• Safe for Diabetics: Sucralose does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, so it is a safe sweetener option for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

• Heat Stability and Versatility: It remains stable under high temperatures and various pH levels, allowing use in cooking, baking, beverages, and processed foods without losing sweetness.

• No Bitter Aftertaste: Sucralose tastes similar to sugar without the bitter aftertaste common to some other artificial sweeteners.