artificial sweetener; synthetic sweetener
Refers to chemically synthesized sugar substitutes, as opposed to natural sweeteners like sugar or honey.
This beverage contains artificial sweeteners.
天然甘味料 refers to natural sweeteners (e.g., stevia, honey), while 合成甘味料 is chemically synthesized.
砂糖 is common sugar, a natural caloric sweetener, unlike the non-caloric or low-calorie 合成甘味料.
Compound of 合成 (synthesis) + 甘味料 (sweetener).