Non-nutritive sweeteners, also known as sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners, are food additives that provide a sweet taste similar to that of sugar while containing significantly less energy than sugar-based sweeteners. Initially these were generally regarded as safe, and encouraged in weight management. However, on the 15 May 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released revised guidelines for the use of non-nutritive sweeteners, based on the findings of a systematic review of the available evidence (1). Findings suggest that long term use does not result in fat reduction in children and adults. Furthermore, use of non-nutritive sweeteners might be associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in adults (2). The WHO guidelines are conditional recommendations that exclude polyols and do not apply to current diabetics as both cases were excluded from the scope of the review (3). However, when we assess polyols there is preliminary evidence that erythritrol could promote blood clots (4).
Mild benefit has been seen in children where drinking sodas with non-nutritive sweeteners over sugar is associated with fewer dental cavities. However, more data is required in this population.
More data is also required in order to satisfactorily assess the risks associated with the use of non-nutritive sweeteners by pregnant women.
A natural non-nutritive sweetener called stevia is made from the leaves of the stevia plant, yet contains no calories and no carbohydrates. Stevia has gained a lot of traction among people looking to exclude sugar from their diets for various reasons, and, if sourced appropriately, does offer certain health benefits in glucose control and in reducing inflammatory markers (5). On the other hand, early research points to the likelihood that stevia could exacerbate metabolic risk factors, increase sugar cravings, and disrupt gut flora. Conclusive human trials are still required (6).
At Seymour we offer stevia as an alternative to sugar in very particular cases. Our stevia is sourced as organic, never used alongside high fructose corn syrup, and always coupled with a pre- and probiotic ingredients to offset any potential impact on the microbiome. We use stevia with caution, especially when it comes to users who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or users with gut issues or at risk of metabolic syndrome.