대학신문방송국

Zero Sugar

By Hong Yun-seo Cub Reporter, Freshman of  Building and Plant Engineering

In recent years, a “zero sugar” trend has emerged in the food industry. Products labeled ‘zero sugar,' such as drinks, snacks, and candies, are now common in convenience stores and supermarkets. Zero sugar products, which replace regular sugar that raises blood glucose levels, are rapidly increasing in line with growing social concerns about diabetes. However, while these products are considered to have a positive effect on health, concerns are gradually rising that artificial sweeteners could be more harmful than sugar.

Definition of Zero Sugar

Zero sugar, also often marketed as “zero calorie,” generally means a beverage with less than 4 kcal per serving or under 20 kcal per 100 ml. Although it is called zero calorie, regulation allows the use of the name "zero calorie (zero sugar)" if it contains trace amounts below the standard level, rather than being completely calorie-free. Such foods are sweetened by using low-calorie artificial sweeteners instead of sugar.

Ingredients and Effects of Zero Sugar

Most zero sugar foods use low-calorie synthetic sweeteners that have a sweet taste similar to sugar but are calorie-free. As a result, it may benefit both dieters and people with diabetes. Artificial sweeteners, the main ingredient in zero sugar foods, provide a stronger sweetness than sugar even in small amounts. Many countries around the world make foods using artificial sweeteners. Although there were once claims that sugar substitutes could be carcinogenic, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rejected them. However, Zero sugar products are not completely harmless to health. For example, there is an analysis that the acid content contained in a Zero Sugar drink showed a level of tooth erosion similar to that of a regular sugar drink. In addition, compared to overseas studies, domestic studies have shown that sweeteners are lacking, especially in sensory evaluation (a scientific method that analyzes quality using the five senses). Therefore, the current evaluations of Zero Sugar are still mixed.

Smart Consumption of Zero Sugar

Low calorie, low sugar foods have gained popularity among consumers. Many people enjoy being able to purchase products with fewer calories. Some bloggers who share their diet experiences say that they were able to enjoy the drink without much concern by drinking zero cola. Experts and the public are divided over the safety of the rapid spread of zero-sugar foods. While research on sweeteners and direct products is working abroad, research on them is mainly focused on the development of sweetener materials in Korea, making it difficult to compare them due to the lack of related research. Compared with overseas studies, domestic research on sweeteners is still limited, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. As a result, safety concerns are likely to persist. In this respect, it is somewhat lacking, and safety concerns are likely to continue in the future. The attitude that consumers should have is important. Consumers are advised to avoid too much dependence on zero-sugar products, drink water regularly, and limit snack consumption. In addition, if related information is actively explored and approached from a balanced perspective, smarter consumption of zero sugar food will be possible