Sweet food
Have you ever wondered how zero-sugar cola still tastes sweet, just like the original, even though it does not contain any sugar? Many people are surprised when they attempt their first sip of a zero-sugar drink and exclaim, “There is no way this has no sugar!” as they realize it tastes just as sweet. How is it possible for something with no sugar at all to experience sweetness? Let’s explore the chemistry behind zero-sugar sweetness and how artificial and natural sweeteners stimulate our taste buds to answer this question.
On our tongue, there are taste buds that detect five distinct basic flavors: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami. On the surface of the taste buds, specific receptor proteins that perceive the sweet taste, called T1R2 and T1R3, are located. When sugar molecules come into contact with the sweet receptors, they send a special signal, “This is sweet!” to our brain, which then interprets the signal as sweet.
Interestingly, this signaling system does not require the molecule to be sugar. It just needs to activate the same receptors. This is where sugar-free drinks come into play. Some people think that zero-sugar drinks trick our tongue, but in fact, the tongue is never deceived. The molecules in artificial and natural sweeteners simply bind to the same sweet receptors that sugar does because they still fit into the sweetness lock of T1R2 and T1R3, much like a master key. The brain cannot distinguish whether the signal came from real sugar or an artificial molecule. In other words, what we call sweetness is not a property of sugar itself but a result of how our brain reacts to specific molecular patterns. Zero drinks cleverly use this mechanism to give our brains the illusion of sugar without any actual sugar present.
To ensure this illusion feels complete, food scientists meticulously design zero-sugar colas to match not only the sweetness of regular cola but also its acidity, bitterness, aroma, and fizzy mouthfeel. Even the timing of the sweetness matters, so companies often blend multiple sweeteners to create the whole flavor curve of sugar. This allows our brain to experience the flavor memory of real cola, even in the absence of sugar.
However, while the taste may be similar, there is a crucial chemical difference. Natural sugars, such as glucose and fructose, are metabolized by the body and provide energy, which is approximately 4 kcal per gram. In contrast, most zero-sugar sweeteners are either not digested at all or metabolized in a way that produces no usable calories. This is because their unique chemical structures prevent them from being broken down by the body, allowing them to pass through our digestive system. That is why a can of zero-sugar cola can claim “0 kcal” even though it still tastes sugary.
Because of this, many people believe that sugar-free drinks are a healthier choice, especially for weight control. Some research supports this idea, at least in the short term. For instance, according to a 2022 report by the International Sweeteners Association, participants who drank two non-sugar beverages per day lost, on average, 7.5 kg, compared to 6.1 kg in the water-only group over 12 weeks of active weight loss. This suggests that zero-calorie drinks may be beneficial for short-term weight loss.
However, the long-term diet is a bit complicated. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued a warning against non-sugar sweeteners for weight loss. Their 2023 guideline on non-sugar sweeteners found no clear evidence that these sweeteners provide lasting benefits for weight control. They reported that long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, WHO advises against using non-sugar sweeteners for weight management.
Beyond health concerns, we must also consider the environmental cost of zero drinks. Many of these compounds are synthetic and not from nature; they often pass through our digestive system and enter waterways. Once in rivers and oceans, they can harm the ecosystem. A 2009 study by researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology detected compounds like sucralose and acesulfame potassium in drinking water and freshwater ecosystems. Because some marine creatures have taste systems, exposure to these chemicals may disrupt their natural behaviors and ecological balance.
Zero-sugar cola is not just a sweet drink; it is, in fact, a scientific invention that manipulates our biology. While it offers sweetness without sugar, it also raises important questions about health, the environment, and the limits of mimicking nature. Understanding the chemistry and the consequences of sugar-free alternatives allows us to consider our dietary and environmental choices.
Maybe it is time to ask ourselves: What does ‘sweet’ really cost us?
By: Hyunseo Yang
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