Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Sweeteners Today, artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes are found in a variety of foods and beverages marketed as "sugar-free" or "diet," including such things as soft drinks, chewing gum, baked goods and sweets. Because these sweeteners are so important in our diet, it raises concern as to whether these sweeteners are a healthy alternative to natural sugar. There are many types of sugar substitutes. Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes derived from naturally occurring substances, including herbs or sugar itself. These are known as intense sweeteners because they are many times sweeter than regular sugar. Sugar alcohols are carbohydrates found naturally in some fruits and vegetables, but they can be manufactured. These are not considered noncaloric or nonnutritive sweeteners because they contain calories, but they are lower in calories than regular sugar, making them an attractive alternative (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Innovative sweeteners are combinations of various types of sweeteners. New sweeteners, like stevia, are difficult to put into a particular category because they are new; production and ingredients are not yet standardized. Finally, natural sweeteners are found naturally: foods such as honey, lemon, or molasses that sweeten foods and drinks (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2012). Several studies have been conducted to determine whether sugar or artificial sweeteners are more beneficial. Calorie-free sweeteners seem like a good idea, but some research suggests they don't ultimately help people lose weight; we tend to supplement calories elsewhere in our diet (Fernstrom, Munger, Sclafani, de Araujo, Roberts & Molinary, 2012). Even schools have joined the trend of non-nutritive foods... middle of paper... 2 April 2012). How does sugar harm your children? Retrieved March 29, 2014, from http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/826563/how-is-sugar-hurting-your-kidsMayo Clinic Staff (2012, October 9). Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-approfondimento/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936Nelson, J.K., & Zeratsky, K. (2012, March 21) . Babies and Sugar – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Mayo Clinic. Retrieved March 29, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/kids-and-sugar/bgp-20056149Sears (n.d.). Harmful Effects of Excess Sugar | Ask Dr. Sears® | The trusted resource for parents. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/family-nutrition/sugar/harmful-effects-excess-sugar