Sucralose vs Butylated Hydroxytoluene: which is worse?

What is Sucralose?

Sucralose is a synthetic non-caloric sweetener made by selectively chlorinating three hydroxyl groups in sucrose (table sugar). Despite being derived from sugar, the chlorination makes it non-digestible: most passes through the body without being metabolized. It is approximately 600 times sweeter than sucrose.

What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene?

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic phenolic antioxidant preservative derived from petroleum. A white crystalline solid with formula C15H24O, it prevents fat oxidation in processed foods, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Often used synergistically with BHA.

Documented risks

Sucralose: A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine found that sucralose-1,6-hexanediacid — a gut-derived metabolite of sucralose — enhanced T-cell immune activity in vitro. The researchers found that sucralose exposure in certain doses could potentially affect immune function. However, this was an early-stage study and its clinical implications for humans are not established. A 2021 Cell study found that sucralose and other non-nutritive sweeteners altered gut microbiome composition and glucose tolerance in human participants who were non-habitual sweetener users. The study found sucralose consumption was associated with glucose intolerance changes in some individuals, suggesting gut microbiome-mediated effects on metabolism. A 2016 study in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health found sucralose consumption was associated with higher leukemia incidence in male mice at high lifetime doses. This finding prompted significant concern, though regulators noted the doses used far exceeded typical human intake. Chlorinated compounds: sucralose contains chlorine atoms in its structure. Critics have argued this makes it similar to organochlorine compounds, some of which are known carcinogens. Regulatory agencies have reviewed this and do not consider the chlorine in sucralose equivalent to organochlorine pollutants; the chlorinated positions are not metabolically active. However, high-temperature cooking with sucralose can generate chlorinated compounds. EFSA's 2017 re-evaluation concluded sucralose is safe and non-carcinogenic at its ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight. The FDA ADI of 5 mg/kg/day provides a substantial safety margin relative to typical consumer intake from Splenda use.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene: BHT has complex, bidirectional carcinogenicity data — some NTP bioassays found liver tumors in female mice at high doses, while other studies suggested BHT might inhibit cancer initiation. IARC has not formally classified BHT due to conflicting evidence. A 2017 study linked BHT to thyroid hormone disruption in female rats. The American Academy of Pediatrics (2018) recommended reducing synthetic preservative exposure including BHT in children. Kellogg's uses vitamin E in European versions of cereals that contain BHT in US versions — a commercially meaningful substitution.