The author developed a ranking of 22 sugar substitutes by analyzing product labels and research data using AI. The project was initiated after medical check-ups revealed elevated blood sugar levels, prompting a search for alternatives to common sweeteners found in processed foods.

The research process involved using the Qwen AI model, which was updated from version 3.7 to 3.8 during the study, and the Alice assistant for search queries. The author processed over 30 prompts and reviewed approximately 10 scientific articles to compile the list.

The resulting ranking categorizes substances from most harmful to safest, based on glycemic index (GI) and acceptable daily intake (ADI). The list includes various additives such as cyclamate, aspartame, maltodextrin, and natural options like honey and date paste.

The author highlights that many products labeled as sugar-free contain hidden ingredients that can negatively impact metabolism, gut microbiome, or insulin levels. The study emphasizes the importance of checking labels, as marketing claims often obscure the actual composition of food items.