Any sweetening substance that provides sweetness with few or no calories, used as an alternative to sugar. Examples include aspartame, sucralose, acesulfame K, saccharin, and steviol glycosides. They are hundreds of times sweeter than sucrose, so only tiny amounts are needed, making them staples of diet drinks, sugar-free gum, and reduced-sugar foods. Each has distinct properties regarding heat stability, taste profile, and acceptable daily intake set by safety authorities. Manufacturers often blend them to achieve a cleaner taste. While they help reduce energy intake from drinks and foods, health authorities stress that overall dietary pattern matters more than any single sweetener choice.