Artificial sweeteners, compared
Sweeteners are one of the more contested corners of the label. Here are the 16 approved in the EU, each rated on an EFSA-based scale. Only 2 come out with no concern at all; 4 are worth avoiding and 10 worth watching. Which one matters more than whether it is “artificial”.
A quick reframe before the list. The useful question is never “is it a sweetener?” but “which sweetener, and what does the evidence say?” Natural does not mean safe, and artificial does not mean harmful. Each one below links to its full detail and, where we have written one, a direct “is it bad for you?” answer.
Avoid · 4
Known or suspected to cause harm: a substance EFSA or another regulator has flagged, or one restricted in some jurisdictions. Best kept out of a regular diet.
Watch · 10
Mixed evidence or a specific concern (gut, allergy, or contested safety data). Not alarming, but worth keeping an eye on rather than eating without limit.
Safe · 2
Cleared by EFSA with no significant concern at typical dietary exposure. Common, well-studied, and not a reason to put a product back on the shelf.