New research is raising serious red flags about erythritol, a sugar alternative now found in certain Splenda products. Rabbi Yair Hoffman dives into the health data and applies Jewish law. Let’s break it down.

1. Why This Matters

A University of Colorado Boulder study tested erythritol on human brain artery cells. After just three hours, which is equivalent to one sugar-free drink, cells showed dangerous signs. Oxidative stress surged. Nitric oxide, which is crucial for blood flow, dropped by 20 percent. Blood vessels constricted. The body’s clot-dissolving ability shut down.

Then there’s the real-world angle. A study tracking over 4,000 people in the U.S. and Europe found that higher blood erythritol levels were strongly linked to strokes and heart attacks within three years, regardless of other risk factors.

So yes, this isn’t theoretical. This is evidence that affects real life.

2. Six Halachic Obligations at Play

Rabbi Hoffman highlights six Torah principles that demand we act:

• Guard your health – “veNishmartem me’od...” (Deut. 4:9)
  
  
• Be extra cautious – “Rak hishamer lecha...” (Deut. 4:15)
  
  
• Choose life – “V’Chai Bahem...” (Lev. 18:5)
  
  
• Save a life – the duty to return one’s soul within Sanhedrin (73a)
  
  
• Do not stand by while others bleed – Lo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha
  
  
• Don’t ignore a known danger – Lo Suchal l’hisalaym

In context, once serious health threats are known, especially from something as common as a sweetener, we’re required to act.

3. Which Splenda Products Are Risky?

Beware Splenda items in purple or brown packaging. They contain erythritol:

• Splenda Monk Fruit Jar (purple)
  
  
• Splenda Stevia Jar (purple)
  
  
• Splenda Magic Baker and Brown Magic Baker (brown)
  
  
• Some Splenda coffee creamers

4. Safe Choices (Yellow Packaging)

Stick to yellow-labeled Splenda. They rely on sucralose alone, with no erythritol. No studies currently link them to these new health risks:

• Original packets and pouches
  
  
• Brown sugar blend, sugar blend
  
  
• Stevia and Monk Fruit packets and pouches
  
  
• Liquid sweeteners, creamers, teas, peel-and-pour, diabetes shakes

5. What You Should Do

Toss or stop using purple and brown-packaged Splenda.

Read every label. Erythritol may appear under alternate names.

Warn others. Your community’s health could depend on it. Lo Saamod Al Dam Rayacha.

Consider safer sweetener options and talk to a healthcare provider.

6. The Broader Duty to Speak Up

Jewish law doesn’t let us stay quiet on hazards we can prevent. Once we know of a danger, silence isn’t an option. We must act. Whether it is for ourselves, our families, or our friends.

Final Word

This isn't hype. It’s a wake-up call. The combination of moving scientific data and clear halachic responsibilities points to one conclusion: avoid Splenda products with erythritol. The traditional yellow ones remain acceptable for now.

Still, talk to your doctor or dietitian to find a sweetener that suits your body. And if you're unsure, check with your rabbi. When evidence shows life could be at risk, action isn’t optional. It’s demanded.

Stay sharp, stay informed, and always follow what protects life and community.