Whether by choice or necessity, millions of Americans restrict their intake of calories, carbohydrates and fats. According to opinion research, most people consume low-calorie products to stay in better overall health, eat or drink healthier foods and beverages, maintain weight, reduce weight or maintain an attractive physical appearance. Most people use low-calorie products as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Research also shows that health professionals believe low-calorie sweeteners are especially beneficial to obese individuals and those with diabetes. Low-calorie sweeteners also do not promote dental cavities.
Recent studies support the effectiveness of low-calorie sweeteners in controlling caloric intake.
The following chart provides some examples. Diet soft drinks and tabletop sweeteners are the most popular of the hundreds of low-calorie foods and beverages. In addition to most of these products, saccharin is used in breads, table syrups, cake and frosting mixes, cookies, salad dressings, jams and preserves, sauces, dairy desserts and canned fruits. Saccharin also is used in dentifrices, mouthwashes, toothpastes, lipsticks and aftershave lotions. Acesulfame potassium s approved uses include carbonated and alcoholic beverages, dry beverage mixes, instant coffee and tea, puddings, gelatins, chewing gum, dairy product analogs, candies, baked goods and baking mixes, yogurt, frozen desserts and as a tabletop sweetener.