Sugar substitutes not a free pass, experts warn on managing diabetes

Health experts are warning that sugar substitutes are not a free pass to indulge, despite their role in managing weight and diabetes.

Alternatives such as stevia, aspartame and sugar alcohols are generally deemed safe.

But, specialists have noted that their physiological impact varies per individual.

Registered Dietitian, Marlene Ellmer says, “People are forever looking for alternatives, and they have a lot of questions about, for instance, alternative sweeteners and are they safe? And they then make the switch in order to cut back on sugar intake. And sweeteners can be helpful if you are cutting down on sugar, especially if you suffer from diabetes or wanting to prevent tooth decay. However, changing to sweeteners isn’t necessarily a free pass to now consume more sweet foods, and it should actually be taken in moderate quantities.”

#PODCAST Dietitians warn health-conscious South Africans that sugar substitutes are not a “free pass” to indulge #sabcnews #sabckzn @salpatel786

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) January 30, 2026