Sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute that is about 600 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It is made by chemically modifying sucrose through a process called chlorination, where three hydroxyl groups in the sugar molecule are replaced with chlorine atoms. This alteration makes sucralose non-caloric because the body cannot break it down or metabolize it for energy
. Sucralose is widely used in many food and beverage products as a low-calorie sweetener. It does not promote dental cavities, is safe for consumption by diabetics and non-diabetics, and does not affect insulin levels. It is commonly found in products like candy, soft drinks, baked goods, yogurt, and frozen desserts. Commercially, sucralose is often sold under the brand name Splenda, which includes bulking agents such as dextrose and maltodextrin to provide volume
. The chemical structure of sucralose is very similar to sucrose but with chlorine atoms replacing three hydroxyl groups, making it stable under various conditions including cooking and freezing. This stability, combined with its intense sweetness and low calorie content, has made sucralose a popular sugar substitute worldwide
. In summary, sucralose is a zero-calorie, artificial sweetener derived from sugar through chemical modification, used extensively as a sugar substitute in food and beverages due to its high sweetness, stability, and safety profile
