Sucralose
What is Sucralose?
Sucralose is a high-intensity artificial sweetener made from sugar (sucrose) through a multi-step chemical process. It is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose and is not metabolised by the body, meaning it provides no calories. It is often used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of food and drink products.
Is Sucralose vegan?
Sucralose is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Sucralose gluten-free?
It is not a source of gluten.
Is Sucralose a major allergen?
Sucralose is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels.
What is Sucralose used for?
Manufacturers add sucralose primarily for its intense sweetness and its stability under heat and across a wide pH range, making it suitable for baking and pasteurised products.
Is Sucralose safe?
Sucralose is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add sucralose primarily for its intense sweetness and its stability under heat and across a wide pH range, making it suitable for baking and pasteurised products. It is commonly found in artificially sweetened beverages, fruit-based drinks, chewing gum, dairy products, and baked goods, where it provides sweetness without adding calories or affecting blood sugar levels.
Health notes
Sucralose is authorised as a food additive in Great Britain and is listed on the Register of Food Additive Authorisations. European food safety authorities, including EFSA, have evaluated sucralose and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Research into the potential health effects of artificial sweeteners, including sucralose, is ongoing, with some studies exploring impacts on gut microbiota and glucose metabolism. However, regulatory bodies generally consider it safe for consumption at typical intake levels within the ADI.
Regulatory status
Authorised in Great Britain (FSA register): England, Scotland, Wales. FSA register of authorised products
Permitted uses in the EU
| Food category | Maximum level |
|---|---|
| 1.4 flavoured fermented milk products including heat-treated products | 400 |
| 3 edible ices | 320 |
| 4.2.2 fruit and vegetables in vinegar oil or brine | 180 |
| 4.2.3 canned or bottled fruit and vegetables | 400 |
| 4.2.4.1 fruit and vegetable preparations excluding compote | 400 |
| 4.2.5 jam jellies and marmalades and similar products | 400 |
| 4.2.5.1 Extra jam and extra jelly as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | 400 |
| 4.2.5.2 Jam, jellies and marmalades and sweetened chestnut puree as defined by Directive 2001/113/EC | 400 |
| 4.2.5.3 other similar fruit or vegetable spreads | 400 |
| 5.1 Cocoa and chocolate products as covered by Directive 2000/36/EC | 800 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 800 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 2400 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 1000 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 400 |
| 5.2 Other confectionery including breath freshening micro-sweets | 200 |
| 5.3 chewing gum | 1200 |
| 5.3 chewing gum | 3000 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 1000 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 450 |
| 5.4 Decorations, coatings and fillings, except fruit-based fillings covered by category 4.2.4 | 800 |
| 6.3 breakfast cereals | 400 |
| 7.2 Fine bakery wares | 800 |
| 9.2 Processed fish and fishery products including molluscs and crustaceans | 120 |
| 11.4.1 table-top sweeteners in liquid form | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.2 table-top sweeteners in powder form | No numerical limit listed |
| 11.4.3 table-top sweeteners in tablets | No numerical limit listed |
| 12.4 Mustard | 140 |
| 12.5 Soups and broths | 45 |
| 12.6 Sauces | 450 |
| 12.7 Salads and savoury-based sandwich spreads | 140 |
Allergen info
Sucralose is not derived from any of the 14 major allergens that UK law requires to be emphasised on food labels. It is not a source of gluten.
Foods that contain Sucralose
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