Equal (sweetener)

Equal (sweetener)

Equal is a brand of artificial sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is a low-calorie sweetener that provides a sweet taste without the added calories of sugar. Equal is made from a combination of two artificial sweeteners: aspartame and acesulfame potassium.

History

Equal was first introduced to the market in 1981 by the company Merisant. It quickly gained popularity as a sugar substitute due to its sweet taste and low-calorie content. The brand has since expanded its product line to include various forms of sweeteners, including packets, tablets, and liquid drops.

Composition

Equal is primarily composed of two artificial sweeteners: aspartame and acesulfame potassium. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Acesulfame potassium, also known as Ace-K, is another artificial sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. The combination of these two sweeteners allows Equal to provide a sweet taste without the added calories.

Uses

Equal is commonly used as a sugar substitute in various food and beverage products. It can be found in a wide range of products, including soft drinks, desserts, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners. Many people choose to use Equal as a way to reduce their calorie intake while still enjoying a sweet taste.

Safety and Controversies

Aspartame, one of the main ingredients in Equal, has been the subject of various controversies and safety concerns. However, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to evaluate its safety, and regulatory agencies around the world have approved its use as a food additive. It is important to note that aspartame may cause adverse effects in individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), as they are unable to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine, which is present in aspartame.