[Rowan Bailey]

I always wondered what the difference was in all of these things..

Four Sweet Alternatives

Artificial sweeteners have long been considered "free foods" because they are calorie-free and do not lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. While some people dislike their chemical aftertaste, they're a common way to satisfy a sweet tooth without spiking blood sugar. Here's a look at the sugar substitutes you can use on the South Beach Diet:

Saccharin: Frequently found in baked goods and diet soda, saccharin is the most common sugar substitute.. While there's been some concern over a possible link between saccharin and stomach cancer, there has been no clear evidence that saccharin causes any health problems.

Aspartame: Aspartame isn't as sweet as saccharin, but it is the most extensively researched sugar substitute on the market. It is frequently found in chewing gum, beverages, and desserts. People with phenylketonuria, pregnant women, and those with advanced liver disease, however, are urged to avoid it.

Acesulfame K: Acesulfame K, also known as acesulfame potassium, was approved by the FDA in 1988, and is often used in combination with aspartame in candies, baked goods, beverages, and frozen desserts.

Sucralose: At 600 times sweeter than table sugar, sucralose is the sweetest of all artificial sweeteners. It is used to produce low- or no-calorie frozen and gelatin desserts, beverages, and gum.