Current regulatory consensus is yes. EFSA and the FDA both approve sucralose, and major safety reviews have not identified serious health risks at normal dietary levels. Some emerging research has raised questions about DNA damage from a metabolite and effects on gut bacteria, but these findings are preliminary and not yet reflected in regulatory positions.

Is sucralose better than aspartame?

They're different, not necessarily better or worse. Sucralose is heat-stable (can be used in baking), while aspartame is not. Sucralose tastes closer to sugar for many people. Both are approved as safe. The choice between them is largely about taste preference and application rather than safety.

Does sucralose affect blood sugar?

Sucralose itself contains no calories and does not directly raise blood glucose. However, some studies have suggested it may affect insulin sensitivity or glucose metabolism in certain individuals. The evidence is inconsistent, and most diabetes organisations consider sucralose acceptable for blood sugar management.

Sweetener

What is E955? (Food Additive Explained)

E955 is sucralose — an artificial sweetener approximately 600 times sweeter than sugar. It's the sweetener in Splenda and is widely used in diet drinks, sugar-free foods, protein products, and low-calorie alternatives. Unlike aspartame, it's heat-stable and can be used in baking.

What is E955?

Full name: Sucralose

E955 is sucralose, a synthetic sweetener made by chemically modifying sucrose (table sugar) — three of its hydroxyl groups are replaced with chlorine atoms. It was discovered in 1976 at Queen Elizabeth College, London, reportedly when a researcher misheard 'test' as 'taste'. It's sold under the brand name Splenda. Despite being made from sugar, the chemical modification means the body does not recognise it as a carbohydrate, so it provides virtually no calories.

What does E955 do in food?

E955 provides intense sweetness (about 600 times that of sugar) without calories. It has a clean sweet taste that's closer to sugar than many other artificial sweeteners, with minimal aftertaste. It's heat-stable, so it can be used in baking and cooking — unlike aspartame, which breaks down when heated. It doesn't promote tooth decay. Most sucralose passes through the body unmetabolised and is excreted unchanged.

Where is E955 found?

E955 is commonly found in:

Diet and zero-calorie soft drinks
Splenda and tabletop sweeteners
Protein bars and sports supplements
Sugar-free confectionery and chewing gum
Low-calorie yoghurts and desserts
Sugar-free baking products

Is E955 bad for you?

E955 is approved by EFSA with an ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight per day, and by the FDA, which approved it in 1998. Large-scale safety studies have not found evidence of carcinogenicity or serious health risks at normal intake levels. However, some recent research has raised questions: a 2023 study suggested that sucralose-6-acetate (a metabolite) may damage DNA at high concentrations, though this has not been confirmed in humans at dietary levels. Other studies have explored potential effects on gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity, with mixed results. The scientific consensus remains that sucralose is safe at approved levels, but research continues.

Why E955 matters for food choices

Sucralose is increasingly popular as a 'cleaner' alternative to aspartame, particularly in protein products and fitness-oriented foods. But under NOVA, it's still an intense artificial sweetener — a defining feature of ultra-processed food. Products containing E955 are almost always NOVA Group 4, regardless of how they're marketed. The rise of sucralose in protein bars, pre-workout drinks, and 'healthy' snacks shows how ultra-processing extends well beyond traditional junk food into products positioned as health-conscious choices.

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We found E955 in these food categories. Read our full NOVA analysis:

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