Aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal)

Aspartame is uniquely dangerous among sugar alternatives because the WHO's IARC classified it as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) in 2023, reigniting decades of controversy. While the FDA maintains its safety at approved levels, a 2022 French cohort study of 100,000 adults found a 15% increased cancer risk among high consumers, a threat not seen with #3 High-Fructose Corn Syrup or #4 Agave Nectar. This stark statistical signal, combined with the 2B classification, makes aspartame a persistent concern for health-conscious consumers.