From the beginning, The Sugar Association’s creation of the website "truthaboutsplenda" has had as its purpose informing consumers about Splenda and giving consumers and other interested people an opportunity to comment about Splenda and their experience with it.
On December 10, 2004, prior to creating this website, The Sugar Association filed a lawsuit in federal court in Los Angeles against McNeil Nutritionals, LCC, the manufacturer of Splenda and a wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. That lawsuit alleges that Splenda has been advertised in false and deceptive ways. The lawsuit alleges that Splenda does not taste like sugar and, contrary to the implication in McNeil’s advertising, Splenda is not a natural product but is instead a chlorinated chemical compound.
Since the website was created, it has received thousands of comments. Some of those comments talk about Splenda’s taste, others talk about how Splenda reacts in baked goods, and still others comment on perceived health consequences from consuming Splenda. As a result we have decided to begin including comments from consumers on our website. Below is a small sampling of these comments.
Some comments make assertions that may or may not be true. We have not attempted to determine the accuracy of any of these comments, and we do not vouch for them one way or the other. We post them, however, so that people viewing the website not only can make their own views known but can see the opinions and experiences of others.
We welcome your comments. Click here to submit yours. We hope you continue to find truthaboutsplenda.com a useful educational resource.
Consumer Comments:
Christi W.
I'm so glad I found this website! We are hard core Splenda users in our home thinking it was better for us than real sugar is! WOW!!! I don't think I will be spending almost $7.00 a bag anymore!!!!
Angela L.
I am so over the fact that the foods we eat are doing us more harm than good. I am especially enraged knowing what I am hearing about Splenda. I started putting Splenda in many items during my pregnancy. I tried very hard to make sure I didn't over eat tuna, stayed away from unpasteurized items, deli meats and the list goes on about the items they tell you to watch out for. Nobody warns you about Splenda. One of the reasons I was not concerned about it was do to both the fact of passing through the body and that it was made from sucralose. I have now switched back to good old regular sugar. I just pray that there is no harm to myself, but more importantly to my child.
Britani B.
Derby, KS
I have been using Splenda as part of a reduced-calorie diet. I've began to live a lifestyle more geared toward all-natural foods, and when I heard that Splenda was made from sugar, and was low in calories (virtually none per serving), I thought it was too good to be true! I started baking with Splenda, getting yogurt that used Splenda as a sweetener, etc etc. But now, after having done my research, I feel absolutely violated. Starting this moment, no more Splenda. Before buying things I'm going to be putting into my body, I'm going to do my research. Who knows what all this chlorine and scientific altering of molecules is going to do to my body, and the bodies of other innocent & unknowing consumers world-wide. Cancers are more widespread today than ever before, and it's companies like Johnson & Johnson that are becoming the advocates. When did it turn to being all about money... when once it was about caring for one another's well-being? Today, the truth is bittersweet... and the after-taste? In this case, it's downright disgusting.
Robert L.
Morganton, NC
My wife and I have been using SPLENDA for over 2 years in all of our baking and cooking where it called for sugar. After finding out the truth about SPLENDA we were very upset, being mislead and lied to by JOHNSON & JOHNSON. No more SPLENDA for us, plus will notify family and friends about this and whoever we see at the grocery store trying to buy this product. We both thank this web-site for exposing this.
Aarika Y.
Indiana
Everyone assumes that if it is on a shelf at the supermarket, it's safe, period. I have known for awhile that Splenda was made with chlorine, but am happy to have found a website with info I can share with my students. Teaching about health is not in my curriculum but I feel it is my moral obligation. Their parents are getting mislead and its ending up costing the kids!!
Salina A.
I am totally shocked by J&J and the supposed regulatory boards responsible for ensuring that foods we consume are safe. My mother, uncle, and aunt all used Splenda after they saw advertising promoting its "natural alternative" sweetener. They are all diabetic and thought that they were actually making a healthy choice. We live in a Caribbean country and are affected by the lies told by this company. The boards and companies responsible for false advertising should be held accountable not only for those affected in the US but in other countries as well.
Bernice W.
Charleston, SC
I have been using splenda since it came out I thought was natural and better than equal sweet & low and the rest of the no good sweeteners I am upset and angry to know how the company can put so many peoples' health at risk. Count me in for a law suit I am tossing all of my supply.
DeeAnna H.
Clyde, NC
I am a 20 year old college student trying to change my lifestyle to become much healthier. It is an absolute outrage to find that this product is so misleading. While thinking I was cutting back on sugar by using Splenda, I was actually harming myself even more! I am infuriated that the government allows products such as this to still be on the market. Thank you so much for publishing such an informative and eye-opening site! I will tell everyone I know!!
Dr. Grace L.
I'm dismayed at how little research has been made into this product (chlorinated hydrocarbon, you're kidding me!) and yet because on the Oprah show they've said it's "Made from Sugar" well golly, it must be safe. Incredible.
Arlene W.
It angers me that manufacturers get away with being so purposefully deceitful about their products. I also feel that all food products should have to list all ingredients contained therein for the consumer's knowledge. Misleading advertising should be against the law in all countries.
Dr. Anna M.
Darien, IL
BRAVO, thank you for putting this on your website, consumers need to hear the truth from all directions, not just a handful of doctors that care and wouldn't consume this product themselves. I continually encourage my patients, friends and family to stay away from at all costs Splenda, NutraSweet, Aspartame, or anything that is unnatural and dangerous to your health. There are indeed known dangers in these, and "they" have the consumers duped, so lets wise up folks, do you really believe that "they" actually care about you and your health? Check the research and the evidence. Be proactive about YOUR health.
S. Napp
Theodore, AL
I am so glad I found your website. I started using Splenda with the misconception that it was more natural and closer to real sugar than any other low cal sweetener. No more diet sodas or any type of artificial sweeteners for me!
Colin T.
Mystic, CT
I have been using Splenda for about a year now and have since thrown it all away. I believe that J&J has been lying to people and that they should be held accountable for the lies that they have told for a profit.
Don M.
Beloit, WI
I am infuriated that I believed the lies about Splenda and have used for some time - until now. I wish I could sue them myself. I am type 2 diabetic and will go back to minimal amounts of sugar.
Thomas S.
Spring Run, PA
I didn't realize this product contained Chorine, and I don't think most users of this product do either. We need to know these things, or the product should never be allowed to be sold. The agencies that allow this to happen need to get some morals.
Nicole M.
Hollywood, FL
I started purchasing products that use Splenda THIS WEEK in an effort to aid in healthy diet (no sugars...). I really thought SPLENDA was 'derived" & made from natural Sugar. I have NEVER used artificial sweeteners due to the adverse studies on lab animals.
Malinda E.
Mustang, OK
I consider myself to be a pretty savvy consumer, but even I believed the lies Splenda has shoveled out. Thank you!
Lionel L.
Hinesville, GA
I am, or rather was, a faithful consumer of the product Splenda. I thought Splenda was a good alternative to natural or refined sugar but after reading the information contained within the facts vs. fiction section, my perspective has changed.
Jennifer R.
So Johnson & Johnson want consumers to think their product, Splenda, is natural sugar without calories by advertising it "made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar". I want to know how something can be made from sugar and taste like sugar, but NOT be sugar? Thanks to chemicals, Johnson & Johnson has a product to sell. Too bad for them I won't be polluting my body with it.
Terry M.
Charlotte, NC
I can't believe that I believed what has been advertised about Splenda. I allowed my children to drink some drinks with it in there - thinking that I was making a BETTER choice. It is so important that there is TRUTH in advertising.
Tom J.
Orlando, FL
I work in the swimming pool industry. The EPA classifies this chlorine as a pesticide. Think about adding Black Flag or Raid to your morning coffee, because that is essentially what you are doing if you use Splenda!
Linda M.
New Bern, NC
I have used Splenda primarily because of the 'facts' they have advertised. I resent the fact that they have mislead the American public and duped us into buying their product in order for Johnson & Johnson to improve their bottom line....making millions at our expense.
Suzan B.
Garwin, IA
Splenda is EXTREMELY misleading and down right dangerous!!! I am a diabetic and anything with Splenda causes my blood sugar to skyrocket!!! I can eat a candy bar and do not have the problems I have with Splenda! PLEASE stay away from products containing Splenda especially if you are diabetic. Think about how this stuff is made and ask yourself if you really want this in your body!!!! Always read labels and do not purchase any products containing Splenda!!!!
Diana J.
Modesto, CA
I too was fooled by the fact that the Atkins diet promoted Splenda and I believed the advertising about being made from sugar and being natural. I thought it safe until my daughter told me how it was made and that is was therefore not natural and NOT safe!
I have switched to Stevia products which I understand to be a natural product from a plant. I sure hope I don't find out down the road that it too has problems. I have heard that the people who have used this plant as a sweetener for generations have not the diabetes or heart disease that we Americans have. It is safe for diabetics. I tell people everywhere I go to investigate the facts and will now be referring them to this site.
Braxton L.
Acworth, GA
We gave up Splenda at our house about a month ago when we found out the truth about this harmful product. Our local natural food store operator told us it is bad for your liver among other things. Go natural, give up Splenda and force them to reveal the truth!
Kimberly O.
Wales, ME
The commercials make it all look so great and they have children in their commercials - even more appalling. I will never purchase this product and send information out to as many as I can about the "truth" behind this product. The makers of Splenda should be ashamed knowing what they are putting into our food chain.
Larry T.
Hampton, VA
I am so grateful to see this new site. This product has been grossly misrepresented to the public, and given the epidemic of obesity and diabetes in this nation; the truth about this product can no longer be hidden from the consuming public. I fully support your efforts to raise the awareness of the potential dangers and problems with ingesting this unnatural product.
Tom M.
Connelly Springs, NC
I dare you to include this on your site. I am no fan of processed sugar but I applaud your stand against Splenda, a chemical-laden abomination. I would choose processed sugar over Splenda anytime.
Nancy M.
"To make consumers believe that Splenda is made from sugar is just wrong! We, as consumers, can't stand for this!"
Wendy C.
"I feel that I have been terribly misled by the manufacturers and marketing efforts of Splenda. Somehow this does not entirely surprise me as the old adage says, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Shame on you, Splenda pushers."
Kisha S.
"Splenda's advertising is appalling!!! I know many people that believed they were doing their bodies a favor by using it instead of other "artificial sweeteners." People think that there are laws against false and misleading advertising and that those laws are being enforced. Sadly this is not so."
Shannon P.
"The truth needs to be known about what we are feeding our families! If we don't do something about it who will?"
Samantha S.
"I was lead to believe that Splenda was this great new sugar by product. I am very upset to find out that is a lie!"
Angela M.
I was absolutely floored when I read the fact vs. fiction section of this website. I had heard people say that Splenda was made with chlorine, but I never thought that it would be true! I just can't believe that the Splenda company makes their product seem like such a miracle sweetener, when it clearly isn't. I feel that the consumer deserves to know what is in the products they ingest.
Orla C.
I am outraged at the blatant false advertising that the Splenda company is using. It had me fooled until I did an internet search for information about it. I thought it was too good to be true - and I was right!
Tamara D.
I have been a big supporter and a loyal consumer of Splenda, until now. I had no idea how misleading this product is. I will be disposing all of my Splenda products today.
Lou T.
Victoria, B.C.
I am horrified about what I had read on this website. I am going to march my unsplendid Splenda back to the store. I have been promoting this product and it was my step mom who told me that she did not know any way other than chemical to uphold Splenda's claim, and I hate to admit it, but it would appear she is right. In Canada, all ingredients are legally required to be listed. Splenda products do not list chorine. Let me know what I can do please!
Michael D.
The only reason we started using Splenda was because it was advertised as being made from sugar and we won't use artificial sweetener.
Juliana L.
Houston, TX
Splenda? It's 4 times as expensive as Sugar and DOES NOT taste like Sugar. I may not be able to eliminate everything that is bad from my eating, but I sure am not going to purchase Splenda again.
Mary M.
I am outraged at the deception.
Justin R.
What can I do to help? I am appalled to hear this. This is why we have government. I am definitely giving up Splenda. Thanks for the warning!
Jason H.
Cornwall, OH
When I first saw the commercial for Splenda, I immediately told myself -- here goes the food industry trying to create their own "sugar" and convince us that it is equal or better than real natural sugar. I don't know about you, but it seems like they want us to believe that this is better than regular sugar -- could it be that because Splenda or more specifically sucralose is patented that this company is just looking for a way to control this food product? You can't patent natural sugar. It is kind of like how they are trying to push for more genetically modified foods -- that way big corporation can patent their "super" foods and thus legally control it -- yikes. We already see this with big drug companies and natural supplement companies, where the drug companies can say things like "cure" but a company with a natural supplement cannot or else. It is crazy!
Wanda J.
I have had it with the over and misused term "NATURAL" and am sick and tired of having to read the fine print on every food that I buy.
Susan S.
I am totally shocked to find out that Splenda is not made from sugar and proven to be safe for human consumption. I, like so many others, thought that I was making a healthy choice for my family by switching to Splenda instead of using sugar. I'm very angry to know that I've been a victim of false advertising and deception. I'm definitely planning to notify my friends and family about this new discovery. Thank you!
Paula W.
I was appalled that this product which is also sold here in the UK as a product made from sugar is actually made from chlorine. Would you put bleach into your coffee, on your cereal or in your baking? Well using Splenda that is exactly what you are doing. This has to be exposed for what it is fraud. the public is being told a lie and being fed chemicals when they think they are consuming a natural product. This has to be stopped. I will never use this product again.
Tammy O.
My family will not eat or drink anything with Splenda! It would be like giving them a glass full of swimming pool water. No way!!
Carol F.
Naples, FL
I am aghast at this news about Splenda. Finally thought I had something sweet that was also safe and calorie-free. Is nothing sacred?
Corrine R.
I can't believe in this day and age that a product like this can be on the market!
George P.
Cleveland, OH
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Excellent site!!! How sad that our country has become so immoral and illusory when it comes to something as important as one’s health!!! Splenda’s marketing campaign is misleading and immoral!!
Caroline D.
I am so grateful to my friend for hooking me up with this website. I am disgusted with the misleading and dangerous advertising from Johnson and Johnson.
I will help in anyway that I can.
Deb P.
I thank my son's teacher for informing him that Splenda isn't "made from sugar."
After researching Splenda we have decided to throw our Splenda away.
Jenny W.
Goleta, CA
I just wanted to thank you for this website because I’m currently presenting a speech to my public speaking class all about Splenda and this website helped me a lot in finding out the true facts about Splenda. And don't worry I will do my best to relate this information to my class so they know exactly what Splenda is all about.
Livvy Z.
It should be taken off the market immediately - and Splenda should be FORCED to publicize the complete truth!
Barbara G.
I feel totally deceived. The ONLY reason I ever used Splenda was because they said it was "natural" and derived from "real sugar." I go to great lengths to avoid chlorinated water and was heartsick to find Splenda contains chlorine!
Michelle B.
When I started using Splenda I was under the impression that it is natural sugar. I have been using Splenda for over two years and am still using it today. I am now very concerned about the effects of chlorine.
Joyce T.
Estherville, IA
I thought their claims were too good to be true! Their ads are definitely misleading. I'm very disappointed. I have even been baking with it.
Sam W.
I do not wish to put another chemical in my body. I would like the truth about Splenda made known, so we can make the choice about eating it or not, and have removed from all foods.
Nancy F.
I was originally directed to Splenda because of the Atkins diet. It is a shame that the manufacturers had to mislead all of us with the sugar relationship. Their marketing was extremely (still is) misleading. If there is a class action suit, this is one I would join in a heartbeat.
Sandra M.
I am shocked to discover that something I thought safe to ingest, (Splenda) is made from chlorine!! Diagnosed with diabetes last year, this sweetener is in many of the foods and beverages I use every day. Not only must I worry about how my disease is ravaging my body, but Splenda as well!!!
Bob G.
This sort of thing really gets my goat. I want to know each and every product that has it in it, and want to boycott them.
Thank you for the education.
Diane C.
I have been using Splenda for about a year and I had no idea about its chemical make up. I assumed the product was natural.
Bernadette L.
After reading this material I feel that they are falsely advertising this product. For people who are allergic to artificial sweeteners it gives them the idea it is okay to use because "it is made from real sugar" which it is NOT!!
Kimberly M.
I am furious. My family has consumed large quantities of this stuff. I would like to join a class action law suit.
Carol H.
Just threw away all the Splenda I had!
Can’t believe it…too good to be true, for sure!
Don H.
Louisville, KY
The only reason I tried Splenda was the word Natural, now I feel like I have been tricked and don't like it one bit. What some people do for a dollar. No more Splenda for me until I can get some more info on it. Thank you for the Truth, as the Truth will set you free.
Lisa M.
I think this is very misleading and upsetting. I bought my son popsicles with Splenda thinking it was a good thing for him, when all along I was giving him chemicals. This is very upsetting to me and I think something should be done about this and there advertising. This product should not say on the package that it is real sugar, and the company needs to change it or be removed.
Tracy H.
Advertisements clearly state, "It's made from real sugar, so it tastes more like real sugar" that is very unfair and misleading. I am in weight watchers and know many diabetics that put this stuff in EVERYTHING. I have printed out your info and I am going to share it at my next meeting.
Gail R.
I as a consumer am APPALLED!!!!! I am 50 years old and have NEVER used sugar substitutes in my life because I didn't want to put chemicals in my body. I recently started using Splenda because IT WAS MADE FROM SUGAR. NO OTHER REASON. Now, after many months of using it I find it contains CHLORINE. This false advertising needs to STOP.
Jason W.
Atlanta, GA
Thank you for your informative site. I have always been suspicious of Splenda. I won’t touch it. Have a nice day.
Bonnie B.
I have spent my hard earned money on Splenda. I was led to believe was a healthier alternative to sugar. I am outraged to find out that it contains chlorine! I will return the unopened bag to the store and NEVER buy it again. I am tired of being misled by manufacturers and advertisers!
Linda R.
I have trusted this product to be what they advertise and now believe that I have been duped. The makers of Splenda and all products containing Splenda need to be honest and list it and its compounds so, I as a consumer, can make an educated choice as too whether I want to purchase it.
Janet D.
Miami, FL
I thought that adding Splenda to my cereal would be as affective as adding sugar. BAD IDEA. I would rather have sugar any day. Everything is good in moderation. However, Splenda is best left on the shelf.
Christine W.
I have been using Splenda for 2 years now and was under the impression that it was made from real sugar. I find it very expensive. Had I known it wasn't made from sugar I would have never purchased it. This is totally ridiculous. I'm pissed that they lied. What can be done for the consumers?
James S.
Yes, I believe I was misled. Not eating this stuff any longer.
Joan O.
I switched to this product because they stated that it was made from sugar. Very misleading advertising! What about Equal and the other substitutes? Are they made the same way? How did this ever get approved for human consumption! It just goes to show we should just eat food in its natural forms.
Laurie P.
I have been concerned about this product since it first came out. I have been reading about it for awhile and get very angry about how misleading the advertising is. I have long since felt like knocking all the five pound bags off the end cap shelves at Wal-Mart!!!! Thank you for speaking out!
Brandy C.
I am glad to help your cause! People have the right to know what they are eating and clearly the manufacturers of Splenda don't want people to know the truth. I am so glad you have made a website that lets people know just what they are dealing with!
Charlotte L.
I have been using Splenda since it came out of the market because I believe it was a natural form of sugar with no risks involved, so I really feel I have been mislead. I chose not to use Equal and Sweet n Low because of the chemicals and risks involved so this misleading advertising is infuriating. I am going to tell all my friends and e-mail them. How do we get more involved in the legal aspects of this?
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