Sucralose and sugar are both sweeteners used in food, but they have fundamental differences. Sugar, or sucrose, is a natural carbohydrate comprised of glucose and fructose. It is extracted from sugar cane or sugar beet. On the other hand, sucralose is an artificial sweetener and sugar substitute. It is noncaloric because the body does not break it down when ingested. In the European Union, sucralose is identified by the E number E955.
These two options offer distinct choices when it comes to sweetness in your diet, so let’s look at them in more detail so you can make the right choice for your needs.

Comparing Sucralose vs Sugar
Sucralose | Sugar | |
Substitution ratio | 1:1 in specifically formulated baking mixes | 1:1 |
Gluten-free? | Yes | Yes |
Keto-friendly? | Yes | No |
Paleo-friendly? | No | No |
Common Allergens | Sucralose | Sugarcane |
Pantry shelf life (unopened/sealed) | 4 years | 2 plus years |
Best for baking | Sugar-free desserts | Cakes, muffins, cookies and desserts. |
Differences Between Sucralose And Sugar
Sugar and sucralose are two distinct sweetening agents with significant differences. Sugar is a generic name for sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates commonly used in food. It comprises simple sugars extracted from sources like sugar cane or sugar beet. On the other hand, sucralose is an artificial zero-calorie sweetener made through a chemical process using chlorine atoms, resulting in a white, odorless crystalline powder.
Table sugar is found in a solid form and is mainly used to add sweetness to food. In contrast, sucralose serves as an ingredient to replace sugar in low-calorie foods and beverages. Sucralose is frequently utilized in sweetener packets such as Equal Sucralose® and SPLENDA® Original.
Taste and Culinary Uses
Sugar is renowned as the gold standard of sweetness, boasting a clean and enjoyable flavor that hits the palate quickly and dissipates without leaving any lingering taste or aftertaste.
Sugar plays versatile roles beyond providing sweetness. It contributes to the coloration of baked goods and acts as a preservative, and it lends its desirable viscosity to sauces, syrups, and beverages.
The sweetness of sucralose is approximately 400-800 times stronger than sucrose. Despite this, sucralose exhibits a clean, sugar-like taste and a time-intensity profile similar to regular sugar.
Sucralose is used as a substitute for, or in conjunction with, other artificial or natural sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame potassium, or high-fructose corn syrup. It features prominently in a variety of products, ranging from candies and breakfast bars to instant coffee packs and soft drinks.
Are Sucralose and Sugar Substitutes for Each Other?
You can substitute the specially formulated granular sucralose 1:1 for each cup of sugar called for in the recipe. Make sure it is the granulated form designed for baking, as other forms will be too sweet.
Nutritional Profile And Health Benefits
Table sugar (granulated sugar, sucrose) (2 tsp.)
- Calories: 30
- Total carbs: 8 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- GI: 65
Sucralose
- Calories: 0
- Total carbs: 0 g
- Sugars: 0 g
- GI: 0
When it comes to energy supply, sugar quickly provides the body with glucose. Glucose is essential for the functioning of cells, tissues, and organs. Unlike regular sugar, sucralose sweetens foods and drinks without causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
Diet Suitability
Sugar is not considered vegan-friendly due to the refining process, which often involves the use of bone char. Additionally, sugar is not recommended for those following keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets. Sugar is not a keto-friendly sweetener as it contains carbs, which may disrupt the ketogenic state. Similarly, sugar is not paleo-friendly or suitable for the Whole30 meal plan.
Sucralose is technically considered vegan as it is derived from a plant source. Sucralose itself contains zero carbs and zero calories, making it a suitable choice for those concerned about their carbohydrate and calorie intake. However, for individuals strictly following a keto diet, sucralose might not be the optimal choice as it is artificial, and some blends may contain non-keto-friendly additives.
When it comes to the paleo diet, artificial sweeteners, and sugar alcohols, including sucralose, are generally not allowed. Therefore, if following a paleo lifestyle, it is advisable to avoid sucralose as a sweetener. For those on a Whole30 meal plan, neither sugar nor sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, or stevia are deemed appropriate.
How to Store Sucralose and Sugar
For optimal storage of sugars, keep them at room temperature in an airtight container. Similarly, sucralose should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. This precaution is necessary to prevent any moisture or heat exposure which may affect its quality. It is also important to avoid storing sucralose near strong-smelling substances such as spices or cleaning agents, as it has the potential to absorb odors and potentially alter its flavor.
Price and Availability
You can find sugar for as low as 25 cents per pound. When it comes to sucralose, the price varies depending on the type. For example, a 1.2-pound bag of Splenda in granulated form is approximately $12, but remember that it is mixed with maltodextrin. The pure sucralose Splenda sachets have different pricing.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of sugar production and burning sugarcane is a cause for concern. One of the primary issues is the emission of various toxic and hazardous substances during the burning process. These emissions, including nitrates, carbon compounds, and sulfates, contribute to air pollution and adversely affect air quality. The combustion of sugarcane releases these substances into the atmosphere, which can detrimentally impact climate change.
The accumulation of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, in the environment is another concern. Unlike sugar, sucralose is not easily degraded by natural processes such as wastewater treatment. This means it can accumulate in various bodies of water, including wastewater, estuaries, rivers, and even the Gulf Stream.
Sucralose vs. Sugar: The Ultimate Verdict
Unless you are on a low or no-sugar diet, why bother with something artificial and potentially unhealthy? While sucralose has been deemed safe enough for human consumption, there is research out there linking it to detrimental health effects such as cancer and gut issues. I’ll stick with natural sugar in moderation.
FAQs
By replacing sugar with sucralose, you can reduce your calorie intake. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes, as they must carefully manage their sugar consumption. However, research indicates that sucralose could also have adverse health effects, so it may not be better than sugar.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener that is generally deemed safe when consumed in moderation. Nevertheless, conflicting findings have emerged from studies on its long-term impacts. Excessive consumption of any kind of sweetener is never a safe thing.
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