Sucralose aka Splenda

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According to my web search, Starbucks offers the following artificial sweeteners in Washington state:

• Sucralose: This is the main ingredient in the Starbucks Zero Creamers 0g Added Sugar, which come in caramel and hazelnut flavors. Sucralose is also known as Splenda and is a zero-calorie sweetener that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar¹.
• Stevia: This is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of a plant native to South America. Stevia is also a zero-calorie sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Starbucks uses a blend of stevia and monk fruit extracts in its Whole Earth Sweetener Company’s Nature Sweet packets, which are available at the condiment bar².
• Aspartame: This is a synthetic sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and has 4 calories per gram. Aspartame is also known as Equal or NutraSweet and is one of the four sweeteners in pink, blue, white and yellow packets at the condiment bar.
• Saccharin: This is another synthetic sweetener that is about 300 times sweeter than sugar and has no calories. Saccharin is also known as Sweet’N Low or Necta Sweet and is one of the four sweeteners in pink, blue, white and yellow packets at the condiment bar.

Please note that artificial sweeteners may have some side effects such as headaches, digestive issues, or increased appetite and cravings for sweets³. You may want to limit your intake of these products or try other natural alternatives such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. I hope this helps! 😊

 

 

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The side effects of artificial sweeteners may vary depending on the type, the amount, and the individual. However, based on my web search, some of the common side effects reported by some studies and experts are:

• Digestive issues: Artificial sweeteners may cause bloating, gas, cramps, pain, and diarrhea in some people, especially those with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive disorders. This is because some artificial sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols, are fermented by bacteria in the colon¹².
• Increased blood sugar levels: Artificial sweeteners may affect the balance of gut bacteria and hormones that regulate blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. This may lead to glucose intolerance, impaired glucose metabolism, and increased risk of type 2 diabetes in some people¹².
• Higher risk of cancer: Some animal studies have suggested that artificial sweeteners, such as saccharin and aspartame, may increase the risk of bladder cancer, brain tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma. However, the evidence in humans is inconclusive and more research is needed to confirm the safety of artificial sweeteners¹².
• Increased blood pressure: Artificial sweeteners may affect the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This may increase the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in some people².
• Adverse effects on mood: Artificial sweeteners may alter the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that affect mood and cognition. This may worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions in some people².

• Increased appetite and cravings for sweets: Artificial sweeteners may stimulate the taste receptors for sweetness without providing calories or satisfying hunger. This may trigger the reward system in the brain and increase the desire for more sweet foods. Artificial sweeteners may also disrupt the signals that regulate hunger and satiety, leading to overeating and weight gain in some people¹³.

Based on these potential side effects, it is hard to say which artificial sweetener has the least amount of side effects. It may depend on your individual response and tolerance to different types of artificial sweeteners. However, some experts suggest that natural sweeteners derived from plants, such as stevia and monk fruit extracts, may have fewer side effects than synthetic ones, such as saccharin and aspartame³⁴. However, more research is needed to compare the safety and efficacy of different artificial sweeteners.

The best way to avoid the side effects of artificial sweeteners is to limit your intake of them or avoid them altogether. You may want to try other natural alternatives that have some nutritional benefits, such as honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. However, these also contain calories and can affect your blood sugar levels, so you should use them sparingly. The best option is to reduce your overall consumption of added sugars and sweet foods and drinks and enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. I hope this helps! 😊