Is Saccharin Keto Friendly?

Saccharin is a zero-carb, zero-calorie sugar-alternative that's about 300 times sweeter than sugar and has no effect on blood sugar levels, making it friendly for those keeping keto. You can find saccharin in pink Sweet'N Low packets at restaurants and in many sugar-free foods.

Saccharin is stable at high temperatures, so you use it to replace sugar in baking recipes. However, keto eaters report that too much saccharin gives food a bitter or metallic taste, which is why many of them use natural sweeteners or sugar alcohols instead.

People avoided saccharin for three decades because a 1970 study reported a link between saccharin and bladder cancer in rats. Critics questioned the study's relevance to humans, as the doses rats consumed before experiencing negative health effects would be the equivalent of a human drinking 800 sodas per day. Further studies, including over 30 human trials found no links between saccharin and cancer, so the FDA has since deemed saccharin safe to eat.

If you'd prefer a natural keto-friendly sweetener, consider stevia or monk fruit instead.