Common Sugar Substitutes

Acesulfame-K

What it is: Made from acetoacetic acid, which is an organic nitrogenous substance
Sweetness: 130-200 times that of sugar
Calorie content: None
Found in: Tabletop sweeteners (right), carbonated drinks and pharmaceutical products. Often used together with other sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame.

Aspartame

What it is: Made from aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which are amino acids
Sweetness: 200 times that of sugar
Calorie content: 4kcal per gram. However, because only a small amount is needed, the calories consumed would be negligible. For example, sugar-free sodas usually have less than 200mg of aspartame. A normal soda has seven teaspoons of sugar.
Found in: Tabletop sweeteners, carbonated drinks, yoghurt and candy.

Saccharin

What it is: Made from anthranilic acid, which is an organic nitrogenous substance
Sweetness: 300 times that of sugar
Calorie content: None
Found in: Tabletop sweeteners, drinks and biscuits.

Sucralose

Source: Made from sucrose or table sugar
Sweetness: 600 times that of sugar
Calorie content: None
Found in: Tabletop sweeteners, soft drinks and candy bars.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using sugar substitutes.

1. Children and babies, unless diabetic, should avoid them because kids need to have enough calories for growth, said a senior dietitian at a public hospital. Sugar substitutes can be used in the initial phase of a dieting plan for an obese child but the child should slowly learn to eat less sweet foods, said a clinical dietitian in Singapore
2. Aspartame is not suitable for people with phenylketonuria, a condition in which they are unable to break down phenylalanine, a component of aspartame.
3. Sugar alcohols like sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol, which are sugar substitutes from natural sources, can have a laxative effect if taken in large amounts. 
4. Natural sweeteners, such as brown sugar and honey, are a preferred alternative to refined white sugar, as they are less processed. However, they are all naturally occurring carbohydrates and still contain calories.
   
   Their caloric count is similar to sugar and, if taken in excess, can lead to weight gain.