Even if aspartame did increase the likelihood of cancer, the correct question would be how does it compare to sugar since we know sugar causes a host of metabolic diseases and cancers.
This is exactly it right here. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten into arguments/debates with family/friends over sugar substitutes being "bad" for you and had to use this exact line.
I am 100% a soda addict. Fully admit it and realize I'm completely unwilling/unable to change it and cut out soda completely. At one point in my life, I was 393 pounds and now fluctuate between 185-190 ( inb4 you check the RL picture thread for proof, faggots). The single largest contributor to my weight loss was obviously diet (I actually didn't increase my physical activity by that much, tbh). And part of that diet was finding an alternative to "real" soda. I typically drank between 6-8 cans worth a day, sometimes approaching 12+ on the weekends. I actually saw very poor results from dieting
until I swapped to "diet" soda. I was drinking so many fucking empty calories that it was unreal. I just never really cared/realized it.
So, while I doubt sugar substitutes are "good" for you(obviously), for
me at least, the alternative is
far more detrimental to my health. I still drink about 6-8 cans a day worth of "diet" soda, more on the weekends. I also pound another 4-8 servings of the Mio water flavor stuff, as I can't stand how "plain" tasting water is. I still have no problems maintaining weight, remain beetus free, and had a ton of bloodwork done when my girlfriend and I went through IVF that all turned out perfectly normal.
Back on topic, just swung by the Bell for a Baja Blast Zero. I still maintain that Gorditas are an S-tier fast food item, even all these years later.