Sweetening agents are substances used to enhance the sweetness of food and beverages. They can be natural, like sugar and honey, or artificial, such as aspartame and sucralose. These agents are often used in products to provide sweetness without the calories associated with traditional sugars, making them popular in diet and low-calorie foods. In addition to their sweetening properties, some sweetening agents can also affect the taste and texture of products. For example, stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the leaves of the stevia plant, while high-fructose corn syrup is a common sweetener in processed foods. Understanding the different types of sweetening agents can help consumers make informed choices about their diets.