Sweeteners in the Spotlight

Sweeteners in the Spotlight

An online survey of consumers conducted in April, 2012 for the International Food Information Council shows that just over half of Americans (51%) are trying to limit or avoid sugars and 44% are trying to limit or avoid high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in particular. Of those who say they pay attention to carbohydrates and sugars when they are buying food and beverages, almost half (47%) choose products based on the type of sweetener and nearly the same proportion (46%) consider whether the products they buy contain low-calorie sweeteners such as Aspartame. About 1/3 of consumers agreed that low-calorie sweeteners can be part of an overall healthful diet.

So what do the experts say about carbohydrates, sugars, and low-calorie (non-nutritive) sweeteners? An updated position paper from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) was published in May, 2012. After a thorough review, the Academy author and review panel summarized their findings with the following position statement:

It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that consumers can safely enjoy a range of nutritive and nonnutritive sweeteners when consumed with an eating plan that is guided by current federal nutrition recommendations, such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Dietary Reference Intakes, as well as individual health goals and personal preference.