The History and Controversies Surrounding Sweet 'N Low Packets

The History and Controversy Surrounding Sweet 'N Low

Sweet 'N Low, the iconic pink packet of artificial sweetener, has been a mainstay on restaurant tables and home kitchens for decades. But the story of Sweet 'N Low is more complex than its cute branding would suggest. While this popular sugar substitute became famous for its sweetness without calories, concerns have been raised over the years about its potentially harmful health effects.

In this article, we'll explore the history of Sweet 'N Low, its rise to popularity, the controversies surrounding its main ingredients, and the current scientific consensus on its safety as we know it today.

The Invention of Sweet 'N Low

Sweet 'N Low was invented in 1957 by Benjamin Eisenstadt, a food scientist at the Cumberland Packing Corporation in Brooklyn, New York. Eisenstadt had been tasked with developing an inexpensive sugar substitute using a derivative of saccharin called cyclamate. Saccharin had been around since the 1800s, but cyclamate was a newer artificial sweetener first introduced in the 1950s.

Eisenstadt's goal was to create single-use sugar packets to compete with the ubiquitous sugar cubes found at restaurants and cafeterias. He knew he was onto something with his sweet invention, but when he presented it to Cumberland's executives, they rejected the idea. Undeterred, Eisenstadt started his own company to launch his new product - the Sugar Information Foundation.

The Sugar Information Foundation produced the first shipments of Sweet 'N Low packets in pink and blue colors. The "Sweet 'N Low" name was chosen as a contrast to the popular sugar brand "Sugar In The Raw." The sweetener packets debuted at New York City delis and coffee shops in 1957, and they were an immediate success. By the 1960s, Sweet 'N Low had become a fixture nationwide.

The Rise of Sweet 'N Low's Popularity

Several factors contributed to Sweet 'N Low's soaring popularity in the 1960s and beyond:

• Convenience - The single-serve packets were perfect for drinking coffee or tea on the go. Restaurants also appreciated not having to deal with spoonfuls of sugar.
• Low calories - With fewer calories than sugar, Sweet 'N Low appealed to dieters and people with diabetes.
• Good taste - Unlike some artificial sweeteners at the time, Sweet 'N Low was praised for its sweetness while lacking a chemical or metallic aftertaste.
• Cute branding - The pink and blue packet colors and name stood out against competitors.
• Celebrity endorsements - Famous singers like Connie Francis sang jingles for Sweet 'N Low on the radio.

By the 1970s, those little pink packets had become an iconic part of American food culture. Their popularity boomed even higher in 1977 when saccharin producer Monsanto had to raise prices after regulations limited its use. Sweet 'N Low was one of the few artificially sweetened products that maintained public confidence through this controversy.

The Saccharin Scare of the 1970s

In the 1970s, Sweet 'N Low and other saccharin-sweetened products came under fire over potential health risks. Here's a quick history of how the "saccharin scare" unfolded:

• 1969 - Studies link saccharin to bladder cancer in lab rats.
• 1972 - FDA bans saccharin for use in processed foods.
• 1977 - Saccharin required to have a warning label about cancer risk.
• 1977 - Canada bans saccharin, but Sweet 'N Low remains on the market in the US.
• 2000 - Saccharin warning label removed after more research shows little cancer risk in humans.

The 1970s saw public concern skyrocket over saccharin's safety. However, Sweet 'N Low survived the controversy better than some brands due to a loyal consumer following and relatively low levels of saccharin compared to competitors. While Canada banned saccharin altogether, Sweet 'N Low remained on American tables.

Sweet 'N Low Today: Is It Safe?

Today, the panics over saccharin have largely subsided as more extensive research has shown it to have low risk in humans. Here's an overview of the latest science on Sweet 'N Low's ingredients:

Saccharin

Extensive animal studies previously linked saccharin to bladder cancer, especially in male rats. However, those results apply much less to humans. The way that saccharin interacts with rat male physiology is different than in human bodies. Authoritative bodies like the National Cancer Institute and FDA have removed saccharin from their lists of cancer-causing chemicals.

Reviews of human studies show no clear link between saccharin and cancer. While small elevations in cancer risk were seen in a few studies, they could have been due to chance. Overall, saccharin is considered safe if consumed within acceptable daily limits.

Aspartame

Today's Sweet 'N Low packets actually contain two sweeteners - saccharin and aspartame. Aspartame was added in the 1980s after the saccharin scares led to falling sales.

Aspartame has been rigorously studied for health effects because of past controversies similar to saccharin. After extensive reviews, major regulatory agencies around the world have ruled that aspartame is safe at typical consumption levels. While people with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria need to control their aspartame intake, it poses no harm for the general public.

FD&C Yellow No. 5

In addition to sweeteners, Sweet 'N Low contains several food dyes. FD&C Yellow No. 5 provides the product's iconic sunny color. This dye has also faced some safety concerns after studies showed it may trigger allergic reactions or hyperactivity in children. However, most experts consider Yellow No. 5 safe in moderation. People with food dye allergies or sensitivities may want to avoid it.

Alternatives to Sweet 'N Low

While Sweet 'N Low is safe for most people, some may prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners altogether. Here are a few natural sugar substitute options:

• Stevia - This zero-calorie sweetener comes from the stevia plant. It has no artificial ingredients.
• Monk fruit (luo han guo) - Monk fruit extract offers sweetness with antioxidants. It has been used for centuries in Eastern medicine.
• Xylitol - Xylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from plant fibers. It has 40% fewer calories than sugar.
• Honey - Honey provides trace nutrients and antioxidants. Opt for raw, unprocessed honey for the most benefits.

When trying sugar substitutes, be aware that your taste buds may need time to adapt to their unique sweetness compared to regular sugar. Checking labels for artificial vs. natural ingredients can help you find a healthy swap that suits your preferences.

The Takeaway on Sweet 'N Low

Sweet 'N Low has come a long way since its humble beginnings in a Brooklyn deli over 60 years ago. The little pink packet weathered major health controversies around saccharin and aspartame over the decades. While these sweeteners were concerning in animal studies, extensive reviews have found them safe for human consumption at appropriate levels.

Today's Sweet 'N Low contains a blend of saccharin and aspartame to provide sweetness without sugar's calories and carbohydrates. The product uses coloring derived from petroleum, which some may want to avoid. However, Sweet 'N Low remains popular among those watching their sugar and carb intake thanks to its iconic taste, convenience, and nostalgia factor.

Sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit provide alternatives to artificial sugars for those wanting a more natural approach. But for many Americans, stirring a pink or blue Sweet 'N Low packet into their morning coffee remains a comforting ritual and a reminder of the product's captivating history.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.