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Sucralose Facts

Sucralose Facts
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is used a sugar substitute. Sucralose was patented in 1976 after being discovered by scientists at Queen Elizabeth College in London. Scientists had been researching sucrose for industrial use when a misunderstanding led to one scientist tasting the sugar compound and discovering its sweetness. By 2008 sucralose had been approved for use in more than 80 countries around the world, and is found in a variety of beverages and food products. Sucralose is safe for diabetics because it does not affect insulin levels. It contains zero calories and is considered safe by international safety boards.
Interesting Sucralose Facts:
Sucralose is created in a process that starts with regular sugar, but three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sugar molecule are replaced with three chlorine atoms, making it sweet like sugar but without the calories.
Most of sucralose does not break down in the body, making it non-caloric.
In the European Union sucralose is known as E number E955.
Sucralose is between 320 and 1,000 times sweeter than sucrose.
Sucralose is ideal for baking because it has a long shelf life.
Sucralose has better stability, safety, and taste qualities than many other sweeteners.
There are no known side effects attributed to sucralose.
Sucralose does not have an effect on the metabolism of carbohydrates.
The most famous brand of sucralose is Splenda, which is used in a variety of products and is popular for baking.
Sucralose is not believed to be a cause of tooth decay.
Sucralose can be found in dairy products, cereal and cereal bars, snack foods, beverages, condiments, syrups, nutritional products, and dietary supplements.
Sucralose can be combined with sugar when baking or it can completely replace it.
In 2015 PepsiCo changed the formula of their diet pop from using aspartame to using sucralose.
Although it has been determined to be safe for human consumption, studies are still being done to determine its effect on diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
In Sweden a study about sucralose and its ability to biodegrade showed that it is not affected by sewage treatment.
Sucralose does not seem to have an effect on short or long term glucose control, making it an option for those with diabetes.
Some studies have shown that sucralose can help those trying to lose weight.
Sucralose has been determined to be safe for pregnant women to consume.
Sucralose may help to combat the growing number of obese children by reducing the calories they consume.
Sucralose can be used for baking but it can result in different texture and flavor than the same baked product made with sugar. Or this reason some people choose to continue to use a little bit of sugar to help maintain the quality of the finished product.
When baking or cooking a recipe that requires browning it is recommended to do only partial sugar substitution. Sucralose won't brown effectively.
Although it has been cleared as safe, there are growing concerns about sucralose because it does not break down in the body and long term side effects are not known.


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