Sweetener Evolution

Cyclamate, once a popular sweetener in diet beverages, was banned in the U.S. after studies linked it to bladder tumors in rats. Aspartame emerged shortly after, offering a sweetness 200 times that of sugar and becoming a staple in drinks like Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi. Despite its caloric content, the negligible amount used makes it a favored choice globally, with extensive testing confirming its safety.