Sucralose is an artificial, zero-calorie sweetener used as a sugar substitute in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It is about 600 times sweeter than table sugar (sucrose), which means only a very small amount is needed to achieve the desired sweetness
. Sucralose is produced by chemically modifying sucrose: three hydroxyl groups in the sugar molecule are replaced with chlorine atoms, making it much sweeter and non-caloric because the human body cannot break it down for energy
. It is highly stable under heat and across a range of conditions, so it retains its sweetness in baked goods, frozen desserts, and processed foods
. Sucralose is sold under brand names such as Splenda and is approved for use in over 100 countries
. Because it is not metabolized by the body, it does not affect blood sugar or insulin levels, making it suitable for people with diabetes
. In summary, sucralose is a widely used, intensely sweet, calorie-free sugar substitute derived from sugar but chemically altered to be non-digestible and much sweeter
