Sucralose
Sucralose (brand name Splenda) is the most common artificial sweetener in protein powders. It is about 600 times sweeter than sugar, contains no calories, and is stable in heat and acid. The FDA approved it in 1998 and considers it safe at typical doses.
Why It Matters
Sucralose is the sweetener most preferred by formulators because it tastes closest to sugar, mixes cleanly into shakes, and produces no aftertaste at typical use levels. The most-cited concerns (gut microbiome shifts, possible insulin response) appear small and inconsistent at the doses found in protein powders.
How to Spot It on a Label
Sucralose appears on the ingredient list, usually toward the end. Some products combine it with acesulfame potassium for a more rounded sweetness. Brands aiming for natural positioning will explicitly say 'no sucralose' on the front of the label.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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