They seem like perfect sugar substitutes. Artificial sweeteners likes Stevia and Truvia are low in calories and still pack a sweet punch. But not all news about these products is good news. If you’re thinking about using some in your morning coffee or if you already do, read on to find on what’s true and what’s false about artificial sweeteners.

1. Most sweeteners are designated as safe, according to the U.S. government – True: Sweeteners are listed under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list or as food additives under the 1958 Food Additives Amendment to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. We still recommend that you still check the labels before purchasing an artificial sweetener. So far, the FDA has not been presented with any conclusive scientific information that would cause them to renounce the approval of these sweeteners. However, many studies are still being conducted.

2. Only six sugar substitutes have been approved for use in the U.S. – True: They are stevia, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, and saccharin.

3. Artificial sweeteners are losing their popularity – False: These additives have actually ski-rocketed in popularity. Dieters have been using artificial sweeteners for years, but now the food and beverage industry is increasingly replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners as well.

4. Sugar is more expensive than most artificial sweeteners – True: Another main reason that sugar substitutes have become more popular is that they’re cheaper than most natural sugars. Why are they cheaper? They have a longer shelf life, so they can be used in products that won’t spoil quickly.

5. Using artificial sweeteners instead of normal sugar will help you lose weight – False: Though over-eating sugar can lead to weight gain, substituting natural sugar for artificial sweeteners won’t necessarily help you lose weight. That’s why most diets focus on fats and carbs, rather than sugars. If you’re looking to start a new diet, consult with your physician first.

6. Natural sugar is sweeter than most artificial sweeteners – False: One of the perks of products like Splenda and Equal is that they are sweeter than natural sugar. That means that you don’t have to add as much of them to get that sugary taste. This definitely adds up in terms of calories, since most artificial sweeteners are low-cal.

7. Most diabetics can consume artificial sweeteners – True: If you are diabetic, you should speak to your doctor and/or dietitian before consuming artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes. But on the whole, artificial sweeteners don't raise blood sugar levels because they are not carbohydrates.

8. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to cancer – Mixed: Several studies have shown some correlation between consumption of artificial sweeteners and development of cancer, but more studies still need to be conducted. The National Cancer Institute has said that there hasn’t been any conclusive scientific evidence that any of the approved artificial sweeteners approved in the U.S. have caused cancer.