I've read a lot of research on AS, but I am one that has something triggered when I use them. I don'tknow if it's just the sweet taste, but it definitly sets off cravings. Very intense cravings.

Also they all taste artificial to me. I haven't tried stevia yet, but even Splenda tastes funny to me.

As for soda? If the AS dont' bother you, go for it. For kids tho, I never let my kids have diet, and limited how much they could have. I don't think it should be demonized, and I think it's generally ssafe. I kept it from my kids because it was still relatively new to the market and I'd heard too many anecdotal stories about side effects. I can't drink soda because of the carbination. But there are times in the summer a nice cold coke would taste great!