Artificial sweeteners may be derived through manufacturing of plant extracts or processed by chemical synthesis. Sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol are derived from sugars.

Are sweeteners man made?

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes. But they may be derived from naturally occurring substances, such as herbs or sugar itself. Artificial sweeteners are also known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than sugar.

What are the main ingredients in artificial sweeteners?

Liquid artificial sweeteners are made with sucralose or saccharin. The predominant ingredient is water. Flavors, preservatives, or both are often added to improve taste and maintain freshness. They may contain other ingredients (erythritol or maltodextrin) to mask off-flavors.