Latest news with #artificialsweeteners
SBS Australia
14-07-2025
- Health
- SBS Australia
Not so sweet: explaining the impact of sugar substitutes on the environment
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . In 2025, if you're dodging sugar to spare your health -you likely aren't going without the sweet stuff altogether. There are readily-available sugar-free soft drinks and even lollies - in fact, more than ever before. Food manufacturing giants have pivoted to artificially sweetened goods - but is zero sugar, zero harm? Not according to a new study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials - and the name of the publication gives a clue about the results. Dr Xuan Li from the University of Technology, Sydney, says it is the environment that is paying the price for a rise in artificial sweeteners. "So whatever we are eating will eventually discharge into wastewater and become concentrated in wastewater treatment plants. And our treatment plants are not easily able to degrade them as well. So they will be directly discharged into the environment. And this will gradually lead to the accumulation in the environment and eventually effect all the water creatures." The U-T-S study has found some of these fake or alternative sugar substances are building up in waterways around the world. They are designed to not be fully absorbed by the body – and for the same reason, they don't break down as easily in waterways or on the land. They become 'forever chemicals' that build in concentration and potential toxicity. And that is a bigger problem. Why? Because in an ecosystem, all organisms are connected. "Some fish may die early because of this. So in a fish it is like the bottom line is anything changing the fish will eventually impact the upper food chain and impact the other creatures. Like we have found algae can be impacted and they all of a sudden bloom and all of a sudden die, because of the build-up of artificial sweeteners." Not all sweeteners are created equal, and one scores worst in terms of its lack of ability to decompose - Sucrose - which is marketed as Splenda in supermarkets around the world. The sweeteners, saccharin and cyclamate particles were comparatively easy to remove from water. This isn't the first time sweeteners have come under fire for their environmental impact - major studies out of the E-U in recent years. Dr Li says its impossible to know how long it will take for the build-up of these microtoxins to have a detrimental impact on humans - and to know how severe that impact could be. 'We are talking a lot about P-FAS a lot in recent years, but actually artificial sweeteners have a similar accumulation pathway like PFAS in our environment. We just have not got enough attention on it. This is also partially because we have currently very mixed results, regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners.' There have been conflicting findings in numerous global studies about the impact of sugar substitutes we eat and drink. In March 2023, Food Standards Australia New Zealand reviewed the intense sweeteners permitted for use in the Food Standards Code. "A range of different sources of evidence were included such as sweetener use information and dietary exposure assessments. Steviol glycosides were reviewed in detail which included an analytical survey and risk assessment. No public health and safety issues were identified as a result of the review." But Dr Li says more research needs to happen - now - for the planet, ecosystem and our health. Meanwhile, we each have a choice. "As consumers ourselves, we can think twice when we are trying to purchase a product. I know artificial sweeteners can sound very tempting if you're trying to control your blood sugar level, your body weight. But the question is, do we really understand them well enough? If not, maybe the conventional sugary stuff will be a better solution."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Huge change coming to Pepsi drink
A huge change is being rolled out to Pepsi drinks in Australia - with the company behind the popular beverage confirming the product will now contain about a third of its original sugar content. PepsiCo has reduced the amount of sugar in its Pepsi and Mountain Dew brands - with each now containing about 35 and 40 per cent less sugar. The sugar content has been replaced with artificial sweeteners instead. Popular Aussie food influencer Russ Eats first noticed the change on Pepsi's packaging after its health star rating went from 0.5 stars to 1.5 stars and shared the news on his social media page. He said the packaging still looked the same, with the only notable difference being the nutritional ranking. 'Full sugar Pepsi and Mountain Dew are gone,' he said in a TikTok. 'Now the packaging looks the same, that's what's so sneaky, but the health star went up, and guess what? 'They've taken out some of the sugar and added … sweetener. 'Have a look at the Mountain Dew, there was sugar now there's sweetener.' PepsiCo have been contacted for comment but in a statement confirmed they reduced the sugar content in Pepsi and Mountain Dew in response to consumers who were looking for products with less sugar. 'The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content,' a spokesman told 9honey Kitchen. 'We've also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we're still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.' The news has outraged some social media users, who quickly shared their disappointment online. 'Daughter is a type 1 diabetic. Mountain Dew literally saved her life a number of times,' one commented. Another said her friend relied on the sugar content in Pepsi as she was allergic to sweeteners, while another said the company needed to put out a warning the new product was 'dangerous for diabetics'. A third said: 'I'm outraged! I'd get angry and riot but my energy levels have dropped.'
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
Full sugar content cut in Pepsi, Mountain Dew soft drinks in Australia as PepsiCo confirms artificial sweetener added
A huge change is being rolled out to Pepsi drinks in Australia - with the company behind the popular beverage confirming the product will now contain about a third of its original sugar content. PepsiCo has reduced the amount of sugar in its Pepsi and Mountain Dew brands - with each now containing about 35 and 40 per cent less sugar. The sugar content has been replaced with artificial sweeteners instead. Popular Aussie food influencer Russ Eats first noticed the change on Pepsi's packaging after its health star rating went from 0.5 stars to 1.5 stars and shared the news on his social media page. He said the packaging still looked the same, with the only notable difference being the nutritional ranking. 'Full sugar Pepsi and Mountain Dew are gone,' he said in a TikTok. 'Now the packaging looks the same, that's what's so sneaky, but the health star went up, and guess what? 'They've taken out some of the sugar and added … sweetener. 'Have a look at the Mountain Dew, there was sugar now there's sweetener.' PepsiCo have been contacted for comment but in a statement confirmed they reduced the sugar content in Pepsi and Mountain Dew in response to consumers who were looking for products with less sugar. 'The new formulas contain low-calorie sweeteners and a lower sugar content,' a spokesman told 9honey Kitchen. 'We've also undertaken extensive sensory research to ensure we're still delivering the same great taste consumers know and love.' The news has outraged some social media users, who quickly shared their disappointment online. 'Daughter is a type 1 diabetic. Mountain Dew literally saved her life a number of times,' one commented. Another said her friend relied on the sugar content in Pepsi as she was allergic to sweeteners, while another said the company needed to put out a warning the new product was 'dangerous for diabetics'. A third said: 'I'm outraged! I'd get angry and riot but my energy levels have dropped.'
Health Line
20-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Coke Zero vs. Diet Coke: What's the Difference?
There isn't much difference between Coke Zero and Diet Coke. You can drink either coke if you want to reduce your sugar intake, as both of them contain artificial sweeteners. You've likely heard that limiting the amount of added sugar in your diet is important for your health. People who regularly consume sodas may try switching to sodas made with artificial or non-nutritive sweeteners to reduce their added sugar intake. These alternatives make products taste sweet but don't lead to the blood sugar increases that traditional sugar may cause. Diet drinks are a way to avoid added sugars in beverages, but more recently, sodas with 'zero' in their name have hit the market alongside them. Coca-Cola is a popular example of a brand with both 'diet' and 'zero' varieties. If you're wondering about the differences between Coke Zero and Diet Coke — and how to determine which is a better choice for you — read on. Nutrition facts and ingredients of Coke Zero and Diet Coke Below are the ingredients and nutrition facts for both Coke Zero and Diet Coke. In this section, we'll break down some of the key differences and similarities you may want to consider. Coke Zero nutrition facts Coke Zero's ingredients include: carbonated water caramel color phosphoric acid aspartame potassium benzoate (to protect taste) natural flavors potassium citrate acesulfame potassium caffeine It also contains the amino acid phenylalanine, so people with phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid it. A 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of Coke Zero provides: Calories: 0 Total fat: 0 grams (g) Sodium: 40 milligrams (mg) Total carbohydrate s: 0 g Total sugars: 0 g Protein: 0 g Potassium: 60 mg Caffeine: 34 mg Coke Zero contains no added sugars since it uses artificial sweeteners instead. It comes in a variety of flavors, including cherry, cherry vanilla, orange vanilla, and vanilla. Coke Zero also has less caffeine than Diet Coke. Caffeine-free Coke Zero is also available. Diet Coke nutrition facts Diet Coke's ingredients include: carbonated water caramel color aspartame phosphoric acid potassium benzoate (to protect taste) natural flavors citric acid caffeine Like Coke Zero, Diet Coke contains the amino acid phenylalanine, so people with PKU should avoid it. A 12-ounce (355-mL) serving of Diet Coke provides: Calories: 0 Total fat: 0 g Sodium: 40 mg Total carbohydrate: 0 g Total sugars: 0 g Protein: 0 g Caffeine: 46 mg Diet Coke contains no added sugars since it uses artificial sweeteners instead. Regular Diet Coke uses aspartame, but you can also purchase a variety of Diet Coke that's made with Splenda, a brand of sucralose. Flavor varieties of Diet Coke include ginger lime and feisty cherry. Like Coke Zero, Diet Coke also comes in a caffeine-free version. Key differences between Coke Zero and Diet Coke These products are essentially the same, especially regarding their main selling point: not containing sugar. What differs between the two is the type of sweetener they contain, as well as their caffeine content, although these two differences are still unlikely to be significant to most people. While Diet Coke uses aspartame as its sweetening agent, Coke Zero uses both aspartame and acesulfame potassium, also called 'Ace K' or 'acesulfame K.' Acesulfame potassium is another calorie-free sweetener that passes through the body without raising blood sugar levels. Per Diet Coke's ingredient label, its primary sweetener is aspartame, and since ingredients are listed in order by weight, it's reasonable to assume that it contains much less acesulfame potassium. This means that these drinks are quite similar in terms of ingredients. The other key difference is caffeine content. Coke Zero has less caffeine than Diet Coke. However, both beverages are well below the recommended daily caffeine limit of 400 mg per day for adults. One debatable difference is the taste of these two drinks. Some say they cannot taste a difference, while others swear by either Diet Coke or Coke Zero as tasting closest to the 'real deal.' Taste comparison As of late, Coca-Cola writes on its website and in its most recent marketing materials that it has developed a new recipe for Coke Zero. The company doesn't go into detail about how it has changed but maintains that it 'has more real Coca-Cola flavor, still without any sugar'. Coke Zero has a slightly different aftertaste than Diet Coke, likely due to its acesulfame potassium. Diet Coke tastes more like regular Coke to many people. However, for some, it's the reverse. Neither tastes just like the original Coca-Cola. Depending on multiple factors — like whether you get it from a beverage fountain, in a can, or in a bottle — each type may have a slightly different taste. Potential side effects For most, not many harmful side effects come from drinking carbonated beverages in moderation. However, caffeine and artificial sweeteners may negatively affect some people, even at moderate intake levels. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends that adults have no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. That's about 4 cups of coffee, or nine or eleven 12-ounce (355-mL) cans of Diet Coke or Coke Zero, respectively. So, you're unlikely to exceed the limit by drinking these sodas in moderation. If you're highly sensitive to caffeine, though, you may want to watch your intake of these beverages. Otherwise, they contain a relatively low amount of caffeine. Aspartame may cause headaches for some people, according to the American Migraine Foundation. While this effect may vary, it's good to know ahead of time so you can connect the dots if you start experiencing headaches after drinking these beverages. In addition, some research has indicated that aspartame may be carcinogenic. More long-term, high quality human studies are necessary before we can connect aspartame to cancer. A concluded that products containing aspartame are safe to consume by the general population at current levels. However, it may pose certain health risks for certain populations, such as: people with seizures neurological conditions people with phenylketonuria people who are pregnant Those who take a more cautious approach to ingredients in foods may want to avoid aspartame, and that's OK. However, it's worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers aspartame safe. Similar to aspartame, acesulfame potassium has been evaluated for potential carcinogenic effects. Again, however, the evidence is unclear, and more long-term, high quality human studies are necessary. Acesulfame potassium is FDA approved. Which is a better choice? There are very few differences between Diet Coke and Coke Zero. As such, there is no concrete, measurable reason to suggest that one is superior to the other. Nutritionally, there are no significant differences. Their ingredient and caffeine contents are similar as well, so neither is healthier than the other. Remember that diet soda is not considered a healthy drink. It's a fun treat that can be consumed in moderation — and switching from original sodas to diet ones is a great starting place if you're trying to cut back on added sugars. Whichever you choose will depend largely on which tastes better to you. Coke Zero has been said to taste more like regular Coke, but some people feel differently and even prefer Diet Coke over regular Coke. Tips for reducing diet soda intake With the conflicting evidence surrounding artificial sweeteners, you may be wondering how you can get your fizzy fix while limiting your artificial sweetener intake. Here are some ideas you can try: Flavored waters: Calorie-free flavored waters can be refreshing and hydrating. Consider them as a healthy addition to your fridge or cooler. Kombucha: Kombucha is a probiotic-filled beverage that promotes healthy gut bacteria and is naturally fizzy due to the fermentation process. Most kombuchas have less sugar than regular sodas, but compare labels to ensure you're not overdoing it on added sugars. Probiotic sodas: Some brands of probiotic 'soda' are similar to kombucha. They're designed to taste similar to soda but have far less sugar. Their benefits are similar to those of kombucha due to the probiotics. Stevia sodas: Several brands of fizzy drinks mimic popular soda flavors and contain no artificial sweeteners. Instead, these sodas use plant-based alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. They still taste similar to soda but have no sugar or artificial sweeteners. Sparkling water: If it's fizz you're after rather than the sweetness, sparkling waters may come to your rescue. While they're not always sweet, they still provide carbonation without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. The bottom line If you want to limit added sugars, sodas made with artificial sweeteners — like Diet Coke and Coke Zero — may seem like a good choice. While some of the artificial sweeteners in these two drinks have faced controversy over their potential negative health effects, consuming either beverage in moderation should not be a concern, especially when compared with the negative effects of their sugar-laden alternative. Coke Zero and Diet Coke are essentially the same nutritionally. They differ mostly in their flavor.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Drinking Diet Coke has been tied to heart health risks. Here's what you should know
Drinking Diet Coke and other similar beverages may be associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, among other health issues, according to new research. Although the reason remains unclear, some scientists say the drink's artificial sweeteners may trigger inflammation and alter metabolism, gut and blood vessels. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said the sweeteners may promote type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy cholesterol levels. 'Do not take it for granted that drinking low-sugar and low-calorie artificially sweetened beverages is healthy, it may pose potential health risks,' Dr. Ningjian Wang, a researcher at the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital in China, said in a statement. People with diabetes or those trying to lose weight may turn to artificial sweeteners and could already be at risk for potential problems. But the overall message from medical professionals is clear. A study from U.C. Irvine found people who consumed the most artificial sweeteners had a 9 percent higher risk for cardiovascular disease and an 18 percent greater risk for stroke or other disease. The American Heart Association found that adults who drink about two liters or more of artificially sweetened drinks per week had a higher risk of an irregular heartbeat. "Avoiding added artificial sugars makes sense, and this study helps to support that," UC Irvine health cardiologist Dr. Elizabeth H. Dineen said. Several sweeteners appear to be the most problematic, including those used in Diet Coke and Coke Zero, researchers found. A request for comment from Coca-Cola was not immediately returned. The sweetener aspartame — which is also widely known as the brand Equal — and sucralose, or Splenda, have been linked to a higher risk of stroke and coronary artery disease. Aspartame is also used in chewing gum, ice cream, cereal, cough drops, and yogurt. It's 200 times sweeter than regular sugar and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a general-purpose sweetener in 1996. It is widely recognized as one of the most researched ingredients in the world. The FDA says it disagrees with conclusions that studies support classifying aspartame as a possible carcinogen to humans. 'Scientific evidence has continued to support the FDA's conclusion that aspartame is safe for the general population when made under good manufacturing practices and used under the approved conditions of use,' the agency says. 'The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies,' the World Health Organization's Dr. Francesco Branco said. That doesn't mean people cannot consume it. Moderate use should be fine. Coca-Cola notes that people with the rare hereditary disorder phenylketonuria should strictly limit their intake of phenylalanine: a common amino acid found in aspartame. 'A 2022 study found that people who consumed higher amounts of aspartame had a slightly higher risk overall of developing cancer, especially breast cancer and obesity-related cancers. However, it is unclear precisely what amount of aspartame a person would need to consume over time to increase their risk of developing cancer,' City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center oncologist Dr. Misagh Karimi said. So, how much is too much? Just a couple of drinks may increase your risk for negative health outcomes, Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, told Fox News Digital.
