The Latest Study About Artificial Sweeteners Says: Not Good, Not Bad
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Turns out artificial sweeteners aren't so bad for you—but you might want to steer clear.
Is dark chocolate good for you? Is a glass of wine better to sip—or skip? The advice from doctors always seems to be changing. Here’s the latest flip-flop.
Sugar vs. Artificial Sweeteners
You’ve heard that cutting back on sugar is important to maintain a healthy weight and prevent chronic health conditions, like diabetes. It seemed like artificial and non-sugar sweeteners (like the ones in Diet Coke) were the answer.
It wasn’t long before research told us that artificial sweeteners were no good. But the latest study says something a bit different. Here’s what you need to know!
So, What’s the Right Answer?
A recent analysis in The BMJ explored the health effects of consuming artificial sweeteners. It was actually a study of studies, examining 56 studies on adults and children. The researchers set out to determine if artificial sweeteners affect our risk for chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cancer.
Overall, the researchers found no statistical difference between people who eat non-sugar sweeteners and those who don’t. In other words, eating non-sugar sweeteners did not affect the study participants’ risks of developing a disease.
In fact, there may even be a small advantage to eating non-sugar sweeteners! Some of the study participants reported improved weight loss and better-controlled blood sugar levels when eating artificial sweeteners.
How to Handle Your Sweets Cravings
The lead study author, Dr. Joerg J. Meerpohl, doesn’t want you to stock up on stevia. He wants to see a study that will follow people long-term. Meerpohl also recommends replacing sugary treats with a healthy option.
“There are cheaper and widely available alternatives to artificially sweetened foods,” he told the New York Times. “You can always have water instead of Diet Coke.”
Can’t get your usual afternoon Diet Coke out of your head? You might want to make a flavor-packed infused water with fresh fruit and herbs, pop open a sparkling water or a healthy snack that tastes like dessert.
Makeover Fruit Pizza
There’s nothing better than a guilt-free dessert, especially when it’s topped with refreshing and colorful fruit. We skimmed the calories and fat from a traditional fruit pizza to create one with about half the calories, fat and cholesterol. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grapefruit, Lime & Mint Yogurt Parfait
Tart grapefruit and lime are balanced with a bit of honey in this cool and easy parfait. —Lois Enger, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Rustic Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Here’s a delectable dessert that’s simple but feels upscale. With its fresh raspberries and Nutella-covered homemade pastry crust, you and your guests won’t be able to get enough. —Christina Seremetis, Rockland, Massachusetts
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Chunky Apple Snack Cake
We enjoy this cake as a snack, packed in lunches or as a scrumptious dessert when warmed and topped with a scoop of low-fat ice cream. If the batter seems really thick, don't worry: Once you stir in the apples it loosens up. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Lemon-Apricot Fruit Pops
With just 31 calories and less than 1 tsp. sugar per serving, these lemon ice pops are one light and refreshing summer dessert everyone can find room for! —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Ginger Plum Tart
Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Summer Blackberry Cobbler
My husband is from Alabama, so I like to treat him to classic Southern desserts. This cobbler is a must-have for us in the summer. —Kimberly Danek Pinkson, San Anselmo, California
Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
No-Bake Apple Pie
We always have an abundance of apples in the fall, so I like to make this easy pie. My husband has diabetes, and this recipe fits into his diet...but everyone enjoys it. —Shirley Vredenburg, Ossineke, Michigan
Pear Tart
My sister-in-law brought this pretty pastry to dinner one night, and we all went back for seconds. It is truly scrumptious. —Kathryn Rogers, Suisun City, California
Chocolate Swirled Cheesecake
This cheesecakes looks and tastes indulgent, but it's a lightened up version you can feel good about serving your family. —Kathy Shan, Toledo, Ohio
Almond Pear Tart
I had never seen a "pie without a pan" until my daughter brought back this wonderful pear almond tart recipe from a Rotary Club exchange program in Belgium. It's still a family favorite after all these years. —Sherry LaMay, Capitan, New Mexico
Plum Good Crisp
This is a great crisp that goes well with any meal, but you can also serve it as a breakfast treat or snack.When it's warm, it can't be beat! —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Lime & Spice Peach Cobbler
This was my grandmother’s favorite recipe to make when they had bushels of peaches. Now I love to bake it whenever I can for my family and friends. —Mary Ann Dell of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Rustic Pear Tart
I saw a recipe for this rustic tart in a cookbook and wanted to try my own version of it. I changed the spices and chose my own fruits. It is a great dessert for the fall.—Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Tropical Crisp
One bite of this sweet, juicy, crunchy crisp, and you just might hear the crash of the ocean and feel warm sand under your toes! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mixed Berry Sundaes for 2
Before serving yogurt sundaes, get ready for requests for seconds. Our family enjoys them for breakfast, but they're sweet enough for dessert. What an easy way to get our fruit and calcium. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Plum Crisp with Crunchy Oat Topping
Made with fresh plums and a crunchy oat topping, this crisp is a lighter alternative to classic fruit pie. It goes over well with the women in my church group.—Deidre Kobel, Boulder, Colorado
Berry White Ice Pops
Nothing says summer like an ice pop. Kids and adults alike love this fruit-filled version. —Sharon Guinta, Stamford, Connecticut
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
Get ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Marinated Oranges
This flavorful fruit was actually the topping in a cake recipe. But I didn't want all the calories or fat from the cake—and the oranges are a good dessert all by themselves! The dash of vanilla extract brings out the fruit's sweetness. —Carol Poindexter, Norridge, Illinois
Pretty Peach Tart
When ripe peaches finally arrive at local fruit stands, this is the first recipe I reach for. The tart is perfection—a delightful way to celebrate spring's arrival! You can make the tart with other varieties of fruit, too. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. —Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
Raspberry Peach Tart
There’s no shortage of fresh peaches and raspberries where I live. I use the fruit I grow to bake up this sweet and special fruit tart.— Mary Ann Rempel, Southold, New York
