Saccharin (Sweet'N Low)
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · Evidence strength: Moderate · How we grade evidence
In plain words: Saccharin, the pink packet, does not cause cancer in people; the old rat studies don't apply to humans. But a well-designed 2022 study found that two weeks of saccharin nudged blood-sugar responses up in some people, possibly through gut bacteria. Occasional use is fine; it's not a health food.
Also listed on labels as: Saccharin, Sodium saccharin, Sweet'N Low, E954
What is it, and why is it in food?
Saccharin is the oldest artificial sweetener, about 300 to 400 times sweeter than sugar. Today it's mostly in tabletop packets, some fountain drinks, and toothpaste and mouthwash.
What does the science say?
| The popular claim | "Saccharin is harmful: it damages the gut and blood-sugar control" (Dr. Steven Gundry's "No" list; Dr. Eric Berg calls it "potentially harmful"). Historically: "causes bladder cancer." |
| Our verdict on that claim | Partly supported |
| Evidence strength | Moderate: the cancer question is well studied (no human risk); the blood-sugar finding comes from one short trial. |
| Kinds of studies | Randomized trial (2 weeks), population studies, animal studies, EU review |
- Blood sugar: In the 2022 trial of 120 adults, saccharin taken below safe limits for two weeks significantly worsened blood-sugar responses in some people. When their gut bacteria were moved into germ-free mice, the mice showed the same effect.1
- Bladder cancer: Rats got bladder tumors through a process that doesn't happen in humans. A review of 22 cohort and 46 case-control studies found no clear cancer link (it was industry-funded).2 An animal and mechanism review agreed, also with industry ties.3
What do regulators say?
- EFSA re-evaluated saccharin in 2024 and raised its safe daily limit to 9 mg per kg of body weight. Typical intake is below it.4
- US: permitted. The old cancer warning label was removed in 2000.
Who should be careful?
- People with diabetes may want to check their own response, given the 2022 trial.
- Otherwise, occasional use isn't a worry.
How common is it in US foods?
In our check of USDA's Branded Foods database, 135 of 438,129 US packaged foods with an ingredient list name saccharin (well under 1%, or about 1 in 3,245).5 It shows up most often in: granulated, brown & powdered sugar (57); sushi (21); water (14); soda (8); pickles, olives, peppers & relishes (8). That's rare. Saccharin today is mainly sold as tabletop packets rather than mixed into packaged foods. These are label records companies sent to USDA, mostly in 2021 to 2023, so some products have changed since. Counts come from a text match of ingredient lists and are approximate.
Swaps and tips for families
- Try less sweetener in coffee or tea, or a small amount of real sugar.
- Plain stevia or monk fruit are other options if you want zero calories.
Beyond the plate: related non-food exposures
Saccharin is also used in toothpaste, mouthwash, some medicines and e-liquids. Amounts are small.
Frequently asked questions
Does saccharin cause cancer?
No. Bladder tumors in rats happen through a rat-specific process, and human studies mostly find no link. The US removed its warning label in 2000.
Does saccharin raise blood sugar?
It has no calories, but a 2022 trial found two weeks of saccharin worsened blood-sugar responses in some people, likely through gut bacteria.
Is Sweet'N Low saccharin?
Yes. The pink packets are saccharin plus a filler like dextrose.
Related guides
Sources
Every source below was checked against PubMed, the publisher or the official page by our research team in October 2026.
- Personalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance. Cell, 2022. PubMed 35987213 · doi:10.1016/j.cell.2022.07.016
- Non-sugar sweeteners and cancer: Toxicological and epidemiological evidence. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 2023. PubMed 36870410 · doi:10.1016/j.yrtph.2023.105369
- Lack of Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Potential for Nonsugar Sweeteners: A Review of Animal and Mechanistic Evidence. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 2025. PubMed 41197905 · doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100552
- Re-evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives. EFSA journal. European Food Safety Authority, 2024. PubMed 39553702 · doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.9044
- FoodData Central, Branded Foods dataset (release 2026-04-30). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 2026. Link
This guide is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. If you think you or your child reacted to a food, talk to a health professional. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 18, 2026. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].