#Aspartame

Aspartame, the popular calorie-free artificial sweetener featured in thousands of food and drink products across Thailand and the globe, is under renewed scrutiny after recent research highlighted its potential health risks despite decades of widespread use. While aspartame has long been promoted as a guilt-free alternative to sugar—especially for those managing weight or diabetes—nutrition experts caution that its effects may not be entirely benign, prompting Thai consumers to reconsider their dietary choices in light of emerging evidence.

Aspartame, a widely used artificial sweetener in thousands of foods and drinks, is once again under scrutiny. While it has long been promoted as a sugar substitute that helps with weight control and blood sugar management, new analyses are raising questions about its long-term safety. Thai consumers are increasingly weighing the benefits against emerging concerns as part of a broader move toward healthier choices.

Leading researchers have summarized recent findings in an expert review by The Conversation. Aspartame, developed in 1965, is more than 180–200 times sweeter than sugar and contributes virtually no calories, making it attractive for those seeking to cut calories and manage diabetes. In Thailand, as in many countries, diet beverages and sugar-free products have become common, reflecting both public health guidelines and market trends. The World Health Organization and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health have long recommended limiting added sugars, guiding the shift toward non-nutritive sweeteners and other low-calorie options.