The Science Behind

Sweeteners

Science-backed low/no calorie sweeteners offer a safe way to enjoy sweetness while cutting sugar. With rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases, they can support healthier diets

How do sweeteners fit into healthy living?

Facilitate adherence to global recommendations

to reduce free sugars intake.

Enable calorie reduction by replacing sugars in foods and beverages.

Provide sweet taste without

affecting blood glucose or insulin levels.

Unlike sugars, do not contribute to tooth decay and can support tooth mineralisation.

Why Sweeteners?

Low/no calorie sweeteners provide sweet taste with minimal or no calories. They are used in foods and beverages to help reduce their sugar content. Supported by decades of scientific research and safety evaluations, low/no calorie sweeteners can be a practical tool for managing weight, assisting with glycemic control, and supporting oral health as part of a balanced diet.

Are Sweeteners Safe?

Low/no calorie sweeteners are among the most thoroughly researched ingredients, with their safety confirmed by global food safety authorities like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) of FAO/WHO. Extensive studies demonstrate that consumption of approved sweeteners is safe for all population groups.

What about Sweet Taste?

Sweetness is an integral part of the human diet and our appetite for sweet taste is innate. When health organisations worldwide recommend that free sugars intake should be reduced, managing dietary sweetness, including with the support of low/no calorie sweeteners, is critical from a nutritional and a public health perspective.

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Latest Science

Resources

Explore evidence-based information on the safety and benefits of low/no calorie sweeteners.

About us

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) is an international non-profit organisation with scientific aims representing suppliers and users of low/no calorie sweeteners. The ISA informs and educates on the most up-to-date nutritional and scientific information in relation to the role and benefits of low/no calorie sweeteners, and the foods and beverages that contain them. 

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