Artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) are drinks, such as soda, carbonated water and juices, that have been sweetened with nonnutritive sweeteners (NNS) instead of (or in addition to) sugar. These NNS include aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium (or acesulfame K). They produce a sweet taste using the same taste receptors as sugar, but are not similar enough to sugar for the body to process as energy.[1] ASB consumption is on the rise globally, with many people choosing to replace sugar-sweetened beverages with ASBs. While controversy exists around the safety of ASB, they are often recommended to people who are trying to lose weight and to diabetics.[2]
What are artificially sweetened beverages?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Artificially sweetened beverages are drinks that are sweetened with nonnutritive sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, which provide a sweet taste but are not processed as energy by the body. Their consumption is increasing globally, often as a substitute for sugar-sweetened beverages, and they are frequently recommended for weight loss and diabetes management despite ongoing safety debates.