Artificial sweeteners are everywhere. They hide in cereal, salad dressing – even in health foods. But are they really a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Or is it naive to think that – because they’re zero calorie – they’re free of consequence?New research shows there is a consequence. And it could be massive. Artificial sweeteners may disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria that live in your gut. You could see ripple effects like chronic disease, weight gain and a weakened ability to process real sugar.Today’s guest is at the forefront of this research. For the last decade, Dr Eran Elinav led breakthroughs on the science behind popular sweeteners. He leads The Institute for Microbiome Research at the Weizmann Institute of Science. He’s published over 100 publications in leading scientific journals. And his lab is on the cutting-edge of gut microbiome research. We’re also joined today by Tim Spector. Tim is one of the world’s top 100 most-cited scientists, a professor of epidemiology, and my scientific Co-Founder at ZOE. You’ll finish today’s episode knowing what's in your sweetener, how it’s affecting you, and where to turn to satisfy your sweet tooth.   🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+Follow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:00:00 The truth about artificial sweeteners01:49 Quick fire questions04:03 Tim's self-experiment07:40 What is an artificial sweetener?09:47 Examples of popular sweeteners10:45 Detrimental effects of sugar on your health13:11 Sugar's impact on gut health16:30 Which factors affect the gut microbiome?18:44 Full Fat Coke vs Diet Coke21:05 Do diet drinks help weight loss?26:00 Calorie restriction diets28:01 Sweeteners and diabetes risk35:50 Why your microbiome is a chemical factory42:15 Not all sweeteners are created equal49:00 The WHO's view on sweeteners52:30 Practical advice on chemicals in food55:05 How to transition off sweet drinks📚Books by our ZOE ScientistsThe Food For Life CookbookEvery Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorFree resources from ZOELive Healthier: Top 10 Tips From ZOE Science & NutritionGut Guide - For a Healthier Microbiome in Weeks Mentioned in today's episodeArtificial sweeteners induce glucose intolerance by altering the gut microbiota (2023), published in NaturePersonalized microbiome-driven effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on human glucose tolerance (2022), published in CellAcute and two-week effects of neotame, stevia rebaudioside M and sucrose-sweetened biscuits on postprandial appetite and endocrine response in adults with overweight/obesity-a randomised crossover trial from the SWEET consortium (2024), published in EBioMedicineThe contentious relationship artificial sweeteners and cardiovascular health (2023), published in The Egyptian Journal of Internal MedicineHave feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.Episode transcripts are available here.