Breaking Down Aspartame: Is it bad for you?

Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some people claim that it is safe and has no negative side effects, while others believe that it is harmful to health.

In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the evidence on aspartame safety. We will also discuss what products contain aspartame and how to avoid it, as well as some alternatives to aspartame that you may want to consider. 

What is aspartame, and is it bad for you?  

Aspartame is a non-nutritive sweetener made up of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. It’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar. When aspartame is broken down in the body, it releases these two amino acids, as well as methanol. Methanol is a toxic substance, but the amount released from aspartame is very small. 

The FDA has approved aspartame for use in food and beverages, and it has been extensively studied for safety. However, some people have reported negative side effects from aspartame, such as headaches, migraines, dizziness, and nausea. There is also some evidence that aspartame may contribute to weight gain and metabolic problems. 

Additionally, there are some concerns about potential side effects of aspartame, especially for people with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU). People with PKU must avoid phenylalanine, one of the components of aspartame. 

In response to these concerns, some retailers, such as Whole Foods, have taken the proactive step of banning aspartame from their stores. This action highlights the growing awareness and caution among consumers and health experts about the potential dangers of artificial sweeteners like aspartame, encouraging a shift towards safer, more natural alternatives. 

Ultimately though, whether aspartame is considered "bad" for you depends on your individual health circumstances and sensitivities. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. 

What products contain aspartame?  

Aspartame can be found in a broad range of food and beverage products. Diet coke being the most well-known item on the list, common products containing aspartame also include Pepsi Zero, Extra Gum, other sugar-free or diet soft drinks & chewing gum, as well as sugar-free candies, sugar-free desserts, and low-calorie or reduced-sugar versions of various foods and beverages such as yogurt, ice cream, and fruit-flavored drinks. Aspartame is also used in tabletop sweeteners like Equal and NutraSweet, making it available for individual use to sweeten coffee, tea, or other beverages. Additionally, it may be an ingredient in certain pharmaceutical products like sugar-free cough drops and vitamins. 

Do Pyure Products contain Aspartame? 

Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener, and Pyure products do not contain any artificial or synthetic sweeteners 

Can consumers avoid aspartame?  

Avoiding aspartame can be accomplished by making informed food and beverage choices. When scanning ingredient labels, look for the term "aspartame" or its brand names, such as Equal or NutraSweet. Opt for products labeled as "no artificial sweeteners" to reduce the likelihood of encountering aspartame. Fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and unprocessed meats typically do not contain aspartame, so incorporating more of these into your diet can help minimize aspartame consumption. Additionally, sweeteners like stevia, honey, maple syrup, erythritol, agave, allulose, and monk fruit are alternatives in homemade recipes or when sweetening beverages. Being mindful of your food choices and reading product labels can go a long way in avoiding aspartame and making healthier dietary decisions. 

Alternatives to aspartame you should consider  

As concerns about aspartame grow, people are increasingly looking for better sweetener options. Pyure offers a wide variety of plant-based sweeteners, which are all promising substitutes for aspartame, with similar sweetness levels, in a wide range of food and beverage applications. Non-aspartame sweeteners include:  

Stevia 

Stevia sweetener is a zero-calorie sweetener that is 225 to 300 times sweeter than sugar, extracted from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It contains steviol glycosides, natural compounds responsible for its intense sweetness. Regulatory bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have affirmed the safety of Stevia consumption. Stevia has gained popularity as a non-carcinogenic and plant-based alternative to aspartame in sweetener systems. 

Erythritol 

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol derived from plant sources, such as corn and fruits. It’s about 70% as sweet as table sugar and is naturally present in small quantities in various foods. Unlike some sugars, erythritol is not metabolized by oral bacteria, reducing the risk of dental cavities. Research indicates that erythritol is safe for human consumption. As a sugar substitute, erythritol can replace aspartame in many formulations, providing sweetness without the caloric burden. 

Allulose 

Allulose is a rare sugar naturally found in certain foods. It has gained attention for its ability to provide sweetness without significantly contributing calories. Studies have indicated that allulose is safe for human consumption, making it a viable replacement for aspartame in sweetener systems without compromising taste or health concerns. Allulose has a similar level of sweetness to erythritol- about 70% as sweet as sugar- making it an excellent choice to replace erythritol as a sugar alternative. 

Monk Fruit 

Monk Fruit, also known as Luo Han Guo, is a small green fruit native to Southeast Asia. It contains natural compounds called mogrosides, responsible for its intense sweetness. Monk Fruit extracts have shown promise as a safe and low-calorie sweetener, and can be up to 250 times sweeter than sugar. Studies have not indicated any adverse health effects associated with its consumption, making it a suitable replacement for aspartame in sweetener formulations. 

The Takeaway  

Pyure's plant-based sweeteners, including stevia, erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit, are a natural and healthy alternative to aspartame. They have been extensively tested and deemed safe for human consumption by regulatory authorities. 

Our sweeteners are highly sweet and have a smooth aftertaste, making them excellent substitutes for sugar and other artificial sweeteners. By choosing Pyure's premium plant-based sweeteners, you can enjoy the sweet flavors you love without sacrificing your health. 

Additionally, our sweeteners are completely free of additives, fillers, and harmful chemicals, making them a conscious (and delicious!) choice for people who want to reduce their sugar intake. In short, Pyure's plant-based sweeteners are a great option for anyone who wants to sweeten their food and beverages without compromising their wellness goals, giving consumers more options for natural and plant-based sweeteners. For more information on Pyure’s commercial sweetening solutions, contact us here through our contact form.