Scientific research has enabled humans to develop better flavors over the years that do not contain the original elements that produced the taste expected as an example with sacarin being substituted instead of sugar. The question here is can you tell the difference between a sugar flavored and a zero calorie drink if it was not told you which you were drinking?
When the sugar substitute is saccharin, I can definitely tell the difference. There is an aftertaste that is quite yucky. Other sweeteners are not so obvious, like aspartame (Nutrasweet) and Splenda (that I think uses stevia?). I really dislike saccharin.
Edit: Splenda is a chemical called "sucralose," not stevia which is a natural sweetener.
Edited: FarSeer on 11th Jun, 2005 - 2:54am
I can tell the difference every time, but that's mainly due to the fact that I've got a sweet tooth, and tend to notice when someone's substituted the taste for a healthier option
I must admit though, that the artificial sweeteners have come a long way since they were first introduced, and are a lot more palatable than they used to be!
The longer you stay away from sugar and salt the better most things taste including those with artificial sweeteners. However, if you can stay away from sugar and salt then you will find that you can also stay away from these things as well.
Sugar substitutes may cut calories, but no health benefits for individuals with obesity
A new study had individuals report their diet over the previous 24 hours, after which they were categorized as consumers of artificial sweeteners (Aspartame or saccharin), or high or low consumers of natural sugars (Sugar or fructose). Diabetes risk was measured as the ability to manage blood sugars using an oral glucose tolerance test. Results showed that those who used artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, may have worse glucose management than those who don't take sugar substitutes Ref. Source 1w.
I am an avid sweet tea drinker (1-1.5 cups of sugar per gallon of tea). When I go to restaurants that don't have sweet tea, I get unsweet and add my own sugar. I have tasted every sugar substitute out there (Though I only really know them by the color of the packet on the table). There is a HUGE difference between any artificial sweetener and regular sugar. Even as far as sodas go, I can't stand anything but regular sodas (No caffeine free, sugar free, zero calorie, or diet). My parents regularly drink the artificially sweetened sodas to 'watch their weight' and if I just grab one of their cups to get a drink quick, I can definitely tell before I know for sure.
I also agree with earlier comments that the artificial stuff can be worse for you than the natural carbs of sugar. I know people want sweet food and drinks without the fat and carbohydrates of natural sugar, but the only reason the fake stuff doesn't contribute calories or fat or carbs is because our body can't process it. It is always dangerous to put things in your body that your body can't process properly.
I am also of the philosophy that if you want to be able to regulate yourself, you need exposure to whatever you want to regulate. Complete abstinence from the 'bad' does not mean you are able to handle it. For example: germs. I fully believe it is good to expose yourself to some germs so your body can learn to fight disease on its own. I don't mean go to a hospital and lick every sick person you come across, but if you get a cold or something, it is better to let your body fight it naturally so you are more resistant next time. I never get a flu shot for exactly this reason. Same with sugar tolerance (Or diabetes), if you want to prevent yourself from getting it, you need to eat/drink natural sugar IN MODERATION. Not eat as much as you can, but occasionally ingest some so your body knows what it is and how to handle it.