Calorie-Free Sweetener

stevia, monk fruit, etc.

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Splenda FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is Splenda Keto?
• Is Splenda Gluten Free?
• Does Splenda Contain Sugar?
• Is Splenda Paleo?
• Is Splenda kosher?
• Is Splenda vegan?
• Is Splenda low FODMAP?
• Stevia alternatives?

Is Splenda Keto?

Yes, Splenda (also known as sucralose), a calorie-free sweetener, is generally considered keto-friendly because it contains zero carbohydrates and zero calories. For context, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10 percent of total calories per day.

Is Splenda Gluten Free?

Yes, Splenda is typically gluten-free. The sweetener does not contain any wheat, rye, barley or oats, which are known to contain gluten. However, it is always best to check the packaging for any specific brand claims or alerts regarding allergens including gluten.

Does Splenda Contain Sugar?

No, Splenda doesn’t contain sugar. It’s made from sucralose, a sugar derivative, but the body doesn’t recognize it as sugar or a carbohydrate. For context, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting calories from added sugars to less than 10 percent of total calories per day.

Is Splenda Paleo?

No, Splenda is not considered Paleo. The Paleo diet typically excludes processed foods and artificial sweeteners. Splenda is made through a process that starts with sugar and converts it to a no-calorie, non-carbohydrate sweetener. The diet encourages natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.

Is Splenda kosher?

Yes, Splenda is kosher. In kosher dietary guidelines, Splenda is considered pareve, which means it is neither meat nor dairy. As long as it is prepared in accordance with kosher rules and does not come into contact with non-kosher ingredients or utensils, it can be consumed by individuals observing kosher dietary laws.

Is Splenda vegan?

Generally, yes. Splenda is considered vegan, as it’s made from sucralose, which is synthesized in a lab and doesn’t involve any animal products or byproducts. However, depending on the method of processing, some variants may contain non-vegan fillers. It’s always best to check the specific product packaging.

Is Splenda low FODMAP?

Yes, Splenda is low in FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols). These are types of carbohydrates that may cause digestive discomfort in some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sucralose, the main ingredient in Splenda, is not a FODMAP food.

Stevia alternatives?

There are many alternatives to stevia, which is another calorie-free sweetener. Some of these include:

1. Erythritol: This is a sugar alcohol that tastes 80% as sweet as sugar. It contains only about 0.24 calories per gram, effectively making it a zero-calorie sweetener. Generally, the daily intake should not exceed 1 gram per kilogram of body weight, to prevent potential side effects. It’s often used on the keto diet and for baking.

2. Xylitol: It resembles sugar in consistency and taste but has about 40% fewer calories (about 2.4 per gram). However, it can cause digestive issues if consumed excessively, and is highly toxic to dogs.

3. Monk fruit sweeteners: Made from the extract of monk fruit, this sweetener is 100-250 times sweeter than sugar but has zero calories and comes from a natural source. You’ll need much less of it to get the same sweetness as sugar. There are no specific restrictions on its intake as it’s considered generally safe.

4. Aspartame: Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It has 4 calories per gram but because it’s so sweet, you need very little. People with a genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU) should avoid it, as they can’t metabolize one of its ingredients – phenylalanine.

Each of these alternatives has different properties, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your dietary needs and preferences.