What is saccharine?

Saccharine is an artificial sweetener that is about 300 to 500 times sweeter than sugar. It was first discovered in 1879 and is often used as a sugar substitute to help people reduce their calorie intake or to manage blood sugar levels. Saccharine is commonly found in processed foods, baked goods, soft drinks, and table sweeteners. It has a bitter aftertaste when consumed in high concentrations and is often blended with other sweeteners to reduce this effect. Saccharine is considered safe by many health organizations around the world, although some studies linking it to cancer in rats have caused controversy over the years. As a result, some consumers are wary of using saccharine and may opt for other sweeteners that have been shown to have fewer potential side effects.