In the late 1980s, a theory emerged suggesting that the sweet taste of sweeteners could trigger insulin release in the body, known as the “cephalic insulin reflex.” While this idea seemed plausible initially, it has not been substantiated by research.

How Sweeteners Function in the Human Body

When consumed, sweeteners produce a sweet taste on the tongue but behave like water in the body. They do not influence insulin release, hunger, or appetite. Studies have shown that insulin and blood sugar levels remain unchanged after consuming sweeteners—both immediately after eating and during digestion. For instance, a well-conducted study demonstrated that daily consumption of two cans (330 ml each) of a sweetened fizzy drink over a twelve-week period had no significant effect on insulin sensitivity or secretion in healthy or overweight individuals.

Health Claims Regarding Sweeteners

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also validated a health claim stating that “the consumption of foods containing sweeteners instead of sugar leads to a lower increase in blood sugar levels after consumption compared to foods containing sugar.” This endorsement reinforces the potential benefits of using sweeteners as a sugar alternative.