Artificial sweeteners: what to know

Artificial sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame and saccharin are approved by food regulators as safe at typical intakes, so there's no need to panic. Still, the research is evolving. Some studies suggest certain sweeteners may shift the balance of gut bacteria, and in 2023 the World Health Organization advised against relying on them for weight control. Many people also find they keep a strong sweet tooth going.

My approach is moderate:

• If diet soda is a daily habit, cut back gradually rather than switching to sugary soda
• Reach for sparkling water with citrus, berries or a splash of juice
• Use small amounts of whole-food sweeteners, like fruit, honey or maple syrup, when you want sweetness

Try this: replace one sweetened drink this week with unsweetened iced tea or infused water.