Artificial sweetener is a good question. When I was pregnant and diabetic, artificial sweetener and sugar did the same thing to my blood sugars so I had to stop using it. When I am not pregnant, they act differently. I use nutrasweet but only in coffee. I like my tea unsweetened. I figure the 2-3 cups of coffee I drink in a day with a packet of sweetener probably won't do any damage.
But here is a warning from a chemist: Asparatame can become poisoniss if ingested warm. So, if you buy a can of diet Dr. Pepper and then let it get warm in your car, it is probably no longer safe to drink.
Some flavored coffee and tea do not need as much sweetening as others. They cost a little more, but you don't have the sugar problem.
Artificial sweetener has more sweetening power than sugar so it will trigger a sweet tooth. Please don't give it to children without checking with a doctor first.
Okay, I'm done preaching. I guess my thought is, small quantities, limited intake, careful planning. Gwyn