My diet:

E955 Sucralose (Splenda)

E955SweetenersOrigin: Lab-made
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Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from sugar; some vegans avoid it because of animal testing.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

Zero calories; packets contain dextrose, which adds a little carb.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Sucralose (Splenda, E955) is a zero-calorie sweetener made from sugar. It's approved, but recent studies raised questions about gut bacteria and heating it.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE955
Comes fromLab-made
What it doesSweeteners
Glycemic index0
Daily limit15 mg/kg
Also calledSucralose, Splenda

Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved with limits
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved with limits
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved everywhere. The FDA's limit is 5 mg per kg of body weight; EFSA's is 15. EFSA is re-reviewing it.

How much is too much? (Acceptable Daily Intake)

1.1 gper day is the safe upper limit

Based on 15 mg per kg of body weight (EFSA / JECFA). A 20 kg (44 lb) child: 300 mg a day.

What is it?

Sucralose is about 600 times sweeter than sugar and passes through the body mostly unabsorbed.

Where it comes from: Made from table sugar by swapping three of its parts for chlorine atoms.

Why it’s in food

  • Sweetens diet drinks
  • Stays stable in baking
  • Used in protein powders

Often found in

Diet sodaProtein powdersSugar-free syrupsYogurt

Also listed as: Sucralose, Splenda, Trichlorogalactosucrose

Health & gut impact

Gut bacteriaUnder study

Some studies show changes in gut bacteria and blood sugar response.

Suez et al., Cell (2022)

Weight controlConcern

The WHO advises against relying on sweeteners for weight loss.

WHO Guideline on Non-sugar Sweeteners (2023)

What can I use instead?

Stevia

Ratio: Follow package

Best for: Drinks

Monk fruit

Ratio: Follow package

Best for: Coffee and baking

Related

Aspartame vs Sucralose

More sweeteners:

AlluloseAllulose is a "rare sugar" that tastes like sugar but has almost no calories and doesn't raise blood sugar. It's keto-friendly and browns like real sugar in baking.Generally safeAspartame E951Aspartame (E951) is a zero-calorie sweetener in diet soda. It's approved, but WHO's cancer agency called it "possibly carcinogenic" in 2023, and people with PKU must avoid it.Use in moderationErythritol E968Erythritol (E968) is a zero-calorie sugar alcohol popular in keto foods. A 2023 study linked high blood levels to heart risk, and large amounts can upset your stomach.Use in moderationHigh-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)High-fructose corn syrup is a liquid sugar made from corn. It's vegan and gluten-free, but it's sugar: not keto, not low-FODMAP, and best limited.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Splenda safe?

Use in moderation (60/100). Approved everywhere. The FDA's limit is 5 mg per kg of body weight; EFSA's is 15. EFSA is re-reviewing it.

Is Splenda vegan?

Yes. Made from sugar; some vegans avoid it because of animal testing.

Is Splenda gluten-free?

Yes.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • 21 CFR 172.831 (US FDA)
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E955
  • Suez et al., Cell (2022)
  • WHO Guideline on Non-sugar Sweeteners (2023)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: October 31, 2026 · INS 955 · CAS 56038-13-2