Equal (aspartame; blue), Sweet'N Low (saccharin, pink), and Splenda (sucralose, yellow). Other colors used are orange for monk fruit extract and green for stevia. A<unk>  is a food additive that provides a sweet taste like that of<unk>  while containing significantly less food energy than<unk> -based sweeteners, making it a zero-calorie () or low-calorie sweetener. Artificial sweeteners may be derived through manufacturing of plant extracts or processed by chemical synthesis.<unk>  products are commercially available in various forms, such as small pills, powders, and packets. In North America, common<unk> s include aspartame, monk fruit extract, saccharin, sucralose, and stevia; cyclamate is also used outside the United States. These sweeteners are a fundamental ingredient in diet drinks to sweeten them without adding calories. Additionally,<unk>  alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol are derived from<unk> s. Approved artificial sweeteners do not cause cancer, and do not cause dental caries. Reviews and dietetic professionals have concluded that moderate use of non-nutritive sweeteners as a safe replacement for<unk> s can help limit energy intake and assist with managing blood glucose and weight.
Sugar substitute
Salt substitute
Caloric restriction mimetic
Steroid ester
Prebiotic 
Protein supplement
Deodorant
Pharmacological chaperone