Sucralose facts for kids

Sucralose is a special kind of artificial sweetener. Think of it as a sugar substitute! When you eat or drink something with sucralose, most of it doesn't get broken down by your body. This is why it has no calories. It's a popular choice for people who want to enjoy sweet tastes without adding extra calories.

Sucralose is super sweet! It's about 600 times sweeter than regular table sugar (which is called sucrose). It's also much sweeter than other artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame.

One cool thing about sucralose is that it's very stable. This means it doesn't change much when it's heated or when it's in foods with different acid levels (called pH). Because of this, you can use sucralose in baking, and it helps products stay sweet on the shelf for a long time. Scientists first found and patented sucralose in 1976.

What is Sucralose?

Sucralose is a man-made chemical compound that tastes sweet. It's made from regular sugar, but it's changed in a way that your body can't use it for energy. This is why it's called a "non-caloric" sweetener. It gives food and drinks a sweet taste without adding any calories.

How is Sucralose Made?

Sucralose starts with a molecule of regular sugar, called sucrose. Scientists change the sucrose molecule by replacing some of its hydrogen-oxygen groups with chlorine atoms. This small change makes it taste very sweet but also makes it so your body can't break it down for energy.

Where is Sucralose Used?

You can find sucralose in many different products. It's often used in:

• Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks
• Sugar-free chewing gum
• Yogurt and other dairy products
• Baked goods and desserts
• Sweetener packets you might use in coffee or tea

Because it's stable when heated, it's a great choice for cooking and baking.

Why Use Sucralose?

People use sucralose for several reasons, especially if they are trying to manage their sugar intake or calorie count.

Calorie Control

Since sucralose has no calories, it helps people reduce their overall calorie intake. This can be helpful for managing weight or for people who need to watch their calorie consumption.

Blood Sugar Management

Unlike regular sugar, sucralose does not affect blood sugar levels. This makes it a good option for people with diabetes or those who need to keep their blood sugar stable.

Dental Health

Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Sucralose does not feed these bacteria, so it can be better for your teeth than regular sugar.

History of Sucralose

Sucralose was discovered by accident in 1976 by scientists working in Britain. They were trying to find new uses for sugar compounds. One researcher misunderstood an instruction and tasted a compound that was supposed to be tested. To their surprise, it was incredibly sweet! After more research, it was approved for use in food in Canada in 1991 and in the United States in 1998.

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