Brussels, 19 November 2025: The International Sweeteners Association (ISA) responds to the recently published Lancet Series ‘Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health’.
There is currently no universally agreed definition of ‘Ultra-Processed Food’ (UPF) and it would be scientifically incorrect to automatically classify food and beverages containing low/no calorie sweeteners as UPFs.
Low/no calorie sweeteners are amongst the most thoroughly researched ingredients worldwide and global food safety agencies have consistently confirmed their safety. They play an important role in public health by supporting food and drink reformulation to improve nutritional quality and help achieve sugar reduction targets. Given the alarming rise in obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide, it is essential to use all available tools to help address these health challenges.
As part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, low/no calorie sweeteners can assist with weight management by allowing consumers to enjoy food and drinks with less or no sugar and fewer calories. A recent landmark one-year clinical trial showed that incorporating low/no calorie sweeteners into a healthy, low-sugar diet can help people with overweight or maintain weight loss.
Low/no calorie sweeteners are also beneficial to people living with diabetes who need to manage their carbohydrate intake, as they do not affect blood glucose control. Furthermore, being non-cariogenic, low/no calorie sweeteners can contribute to good dental health.
Ultimately, using the presence of low/no calorie sweeteners as a ‘marker’ of UPFs risks creating confusion among consumers, potentially discouraging the use of safe products that could contribute to their sugar reduction efforts. Dietary guidance and food policies should be based on robust scientific evidence and consensus, not on overly simplistic categorisations.