According to research published in Nature Metabolism, the calorie-free sweetener known as sucralose may increase appetite. Sucralose is widely distributed in various food products, including baked goods, beverages, chewing gum and frozen dairy desserts. In a randomized crossover trial involving 75 young adults, participants consumed a beverage containing sucralose, sucrose or water.

The study revealed that the sucralose-containing drink could stimulate appetite by delivering a sweet taste without triggering the body’s natural mechanism for suppressing hunger. While this study is unlikely to significantly alter the availability of sucralose, it aligns with the 2023 World Health Organization’s recommendations that non-sugar sweeteners should not be used for weight management purposes.