There are a number of natural and artificial sweeteners available in the market today. While it might be easy to choose the sweetener based on your personal taste preference, it is important to understand its total caloric and nutritional value.

Calories in Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are often marketed as a low calorie alternative to sugar. While they indeed have zero or low calorie count, they are also chemically processed and contain no nutritional value whatsoever.

Here is a comparison of the calorie count in popular artificial sweeteners for a serving size of 1 gram:.

Sweetener	Calories
Aspartame	0.4
Saccharin	0
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)	0
Neotame	0
Sucralose	0

Calories in Natural Sweeteners

Natural sweeteners come directly from plant sources and may contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. They are also lower in calories compared to granulated sugars, making them a popular choice for those who are watching their sugar intake.

Here is a comparison of the calorie count in popular natural sweeteners for a serving size of 1 gram:.

Sweetener	Calories
Honey	2.9
Agave nectar	3
Maple syrup	3.8
Coconut sugar	3.8
Stevia	0

Comparing Nutritional Value

While natural sweeteners are better sources of vitamins and minerals than artificial sweeteners, it is important to remember that they are still high in sugar and should not be consumed excessively.

Here is a comparison of nutritional information for natural and artificial sweeteners:.

Sweetener	Calories	Carbohydrates (grams)	Vitamins and Minerals
Aspartame	0.4	0.1	None
Saccharin	0	0.1	None
Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)	0	0	None
Neotame	0	0	None
Sucralose	0	0	None
Honey	2.9	0.7	Trace amounts of vitamins and minerals
Agave nectar	3	0.8	Vitamins B1, B2, C and E
Maple syrup	3.8	0.9	Vitamins B2 and B5, manganese, zinc and potassium
Coconut sugar	3.8	0.9	Iron, zinc, calcium and potassium
Stevia	0	0	Vitamin C and A, and iron and potassium (in trace amounts)

The Verdict

When it comes down to it, the choice of sweetener depends on your individual needs. Those who are looking to cut down on sugar intake and maintain low calorie diet can opt for artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sucralose.

However, for those who want to add some nutrition while still keeping the calories low, stevia can be a good option. Natural sweeteners such as honey, maple syrup and coconut sugar are healthier alternatives to refined sugar, but it is important to consume them in moderation.