Sugar substitutes are artificial (fake) sweeteners. Some food makers use sugar substitutes in place of sugar to make foods and drinks taste sweet. These sweeteners don’t have nutrients to help kids grow. Products like diet soda, sports drinks, or yogurts that are made with them may say “sugar-free” or “zero calorie” on the label.
Two common sugar substitutes are aspartame and sucralose. They taste much sweeter than real sugar, so foods and drinks made with them have just a tiny amount. Experts now know that tiny amounts of sugar substitutes are safe for some kids, but only if they eat other foods that give them all the nutrients they need.
Our bodies handle sugar and sugar substitutes in different ways. When we eat sugar, our bodies turn it into energy. But they can’t do this with sugar substitutes. Instead, these pass right through the body.
Sugar substitutes are safe for some kids. It depends on a child’s age and if they have any health problems. Here’s a guide:
Kids should drink what’s right for their age:
If you have questions about sugar substitutes, check with your child’s doctor.
Reviewed by: Kathryn Russel, MS, RDN
Date Reviewed: Aug 30, 2023
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