Equal vs. Splenda — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 23, 2023
Equal is an artificial sweetener primarily containing aspartame, while Splenda is a brand name for a sweetener based on sucralose.
Difference Between Equal and Splenda
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Equal and Splenda are two of the most recognized brand names in the world of artificial sweeteners. Equal is known for its primary ingredient, aspartame, which is a synthetic compound that produces a sweet taste similar to sugar. In contrast, Splenda's sweetness comes from sucralose, a chlorinated derivative of sucrose.
While both Equal and Splenda aim to provide a sugar-free alternative for sweetening foods and drinks, they have distinct chemical compositions and origins. Equal's aspartame is formed from the fusion of two amino acids, while Splenda's sucralose is derived from a process that replaces three hydrogen-oxygen groups in sugar with chlorine atoms.
In terms of taste, both Equal and Splenda offer a sweetness many times that of sugar. However, some people might detect slight variations in flavor between the two, with certain individuals finding a specific aftertaste associated with aspartame in Equal. Splenda, on the other hand, is often praised for its closer resemblance to the taste of actual sugar.
Packaging and form can also differ between Equal and Splenda. While both are available in packet form, Splenda often also appears in granulated versions that can be measured cup for cup like sugar in baking. Equal might be more commonly associated with the blue packets found in many restaurants, while Splenda is recognized by its yellow packaging.
Comparison Chart
Primary Ingredient
Aspartame
Sucralose
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Chemical Composition
Combination of two amino acids
Chlorinated derivative of sucrose
Taste Similarity to Sugar
Can have a specific aftertaste for some
Often closer to sugar's taste
Common Packaging Color
Blue
Yellow
Baking Usability
Not always directly substitutable for sugar
Often used cup for cup in recipes as sugar
Compare with Definitions
Equal
An artificial sweetener brand.
I added a packet of Equal to my coffee.
Splenda
A brand of artificial sweetener.
I use Splenda in my tea every morning.
Equal
A sugar substitute in many foods and drinks.
The diet soda contains Equal as its sweetener.
Splenda
Primarily made from sucralose.
Splenda's sweetness comes from sucralose.
Equal
Often compared to other sweetener brands.
I prefer the taste of Equal over other brands.
Splenda
Suitable for baking and cooking.
I replaced sugar with Splenda in my cookie recipe.
Equal
Being the same in quantity, size, degree, or value
1 litre is roughly equal to 1 quart
Add equal amounts of water and flour
Splenda
Recognized by its yellow packaging.
She reached for the yellow Splenda packet to sweeten her drink.
Equal
Having the ability or resources to meet (a challenge)
The players proved equal to the task
Splenda
Often touted for its sugar-like taste.
Many find that Splenda tastes closest to real sugar.
Equal
A person or thing that is the same as another in status or quality
Entertainment facilities without equal in the British Isles
We all treat each other as equals
Splenda
Splenda is a global brand of sugar substitutes and reduced-calorie food products. While they are known for their original formulation containing sucralose, they also manufacture items using natural sweeteners such as stevia, monk fruit, and allulose.
Equal
Be the same as in number or amount
The total debits should equal the total credits
Four plus six divided by two equals five
Equal
Having the same quantity, measure, or value as another.
Equal
(Mathematics) Being the same or identical to in value.
Equal
Having the same privileges, status, or rights
Citizens equal before the law.
Equal
Being the same for all members of a group
Gave every player an equal chance to win.
Equal
Having the requisite qualities, such as strength or ability, for a task or situation
"Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene" (Jane Austen).
Equal
Similar to or the same as another, as in ability
As the playoffs began, the teams were considered roughly equal.
Equal
One that is equal to another
These two models are equals in computing power.
Equal
To be equal to, especially in value.
Equal
To do, make, or produce something equal to
Equaled the world record in the mile run.
Equal
(not comparable) The same in all respects.
Equal conditions should produce equal results.
All men are created equal.
Equal
Exactly identical, having the same value.
All right angles are equal.
Equal
(obsolete) Fair, impartial.
Equal
(comparable) Adequate; sufficiently capable or qualified.
This test is pretty tough, but I think I'm equal to it.
Equal
(obsolete) Not variable; equable; uniform; even.
An equal movement
Equal
(music) Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; not mixed.
Equal
To be equal to, to have the same value as; to correspond to.
Two plus two equals four.
Equal
(transitive) To make equivalent to; to cause to match.
David equaled the water levels of the bottles, so they now both contain exactly 1 liter.
Equal
(informal) To have as its consequence.
Losing this deal equals losing your job.
Might does not equal right.
Equal
A person or thing of equal status to others.
We're all equals here.
This beer has no equal.
Equal
(obsolete) State of being equal; equality.
Equal
Agreeing in quantity, size, quality, degree, value, etc.; having the same magnitude, the same value, the same degree, etc.; - applied to number, degree, quantity, and intensity, and to any subject which admits of them; neither inferior nor superior, greater nor less, better nor worse; corresponding; alike; as, equal quantities of land, water, etc. ; houses of equal size; persons of equal stature or talents; commodities of equal value.
Equal
Bearing a suitable relation; of just proportion; having competent power, abilities, or means; adequate; as, he is not equal to the task.
The Scots trusted not their own numbers as equal to fight with the English.
It is not permitted to me to make my commendations equal to your merit.
Whose voice an equal messengerConveyed thy meaning mild.
Equal
Not variable; equable; uniform; even; as, an equal movement.
Equal
Evenly balanced; not unduly inclining to either side; characterized by fairness; unbiased; impartial; equitable; just.
Are not my ways equal?
Thee, O Jove, no equal judge I deem.
Nor think it equal to answer deliberate reason with sudden heat and noise.
Equal
Of the same interest or concern; indifferent.
They who are not disposed to receive them may let them alone or reject them; it is equal to me.
Equal
Intended for voices of one kind only, either all male or all female; - opposed to mixed.
Equal
Exactly agreeing with respect to quantity.
Equal
One not inferior or superior to another; one having the same or a similar age, rank, station, office, talents, strength, or other quality or condition; an equal quantity or number; as, "If equals be taken from equals the remainders are equal."
Those who were once his equals envy and defame him.
Equal
State of being equal; equality.
Equal
To be or become equal to; to have the same quantity, the same value, the same degree or rank, or the like, with; to be commen urate with.
On me whose all not equals Edward's moiety.
Equal
To make equal return to; to recompense fully.
Who answered all her cares, and equaled all her love.
Equal
To make equal or equal to; to equalize; hence, to compare or regard as equals; to put on equality.
He would not equal the mind that he found in himself to the infinite and incomprehensible.
Equal
A person who is of equal standing with another in a group
Equal
Be identical or equivalent to;
One dollar equals 1,000 rubles these days!
Equal
Be equal to in quality or ability;
Nothing can rival cotton for durability
Your performance doesn't even touch that of your colleagues
Her persistence and ambition only matches that of her parents
Equal
Make equal, uniform, corresponding, or matching;
Let's equalize the duties among all employees in this office
The company matched the discount policy of its competitors
Equal
Well matched; having the same quantity, value, or measure as another;
On equal terms
All men are equal before the law
Equal
Equal in amount or value;
Like amounts
Equivalent amounts
The same amount
Gave one six blows and the other a like number
An equal number
The same number
Equal
Primarily contains aspartame.
Some people are sensitive to the aspartame in Equal.
Equal
Known for its blue packets.
I spotted the blue Equal packets on the restaurant table.
Common Curiosities
Which sweetener is in the yellow packet?
Splenda is commonly found in yellow packets.
Is there an aftertaste with Equal?
Some individuals detect an aftertaste due to aspartame in Equal.
Which sweetener uses sucralose?
Splenda is based on sucralose.
Can I use Equal and Splenda interchangeably in recipes?
It depends on the recipe, but adjustments might be necessary.
Can I bake with Splenda?
Yes, Splenda offers versions specifically for baking.
Is Splenda calorie-free?
Yes, Splenda is a no-calorie sweetener.
What is Equal made of?
Equal primarily contains aspartame.
Which is sweeter, Equal or Splenda?
Both are much sweeter than sugar, but exact sweetness can vary.
Are there any health concerns associated with Equal?
Some concerns have been raised about aspartame, but many health organizations deem it safe.
How is Splenda made?
It's derived by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups in sugar with chlorine atoms.
Which sweetener tastes more like real sugar?
Many believe Splenda tastes closer to real sugar.
How do I store Equal and Splenda?
Both should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Can I use Splenda in hot beverages?
Yes, Splenda can be used in both hot and cold beverages.
Is Equal suitable for all diets?
Those with phenylketonuria should avoid aspartame, a component in Equal.
Where can I purchase Equal and Splenda?
Most grocery stores carry both brands in the sweetener aisle.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
