One thing to add, synthetic/artificial only describes some of the sugar alternatives. Others, such as stevia and erithritol, are perfectly natural. Doesn’t make them any safer (or more dangerous), as you noted.

…people used to think smoking was good for colds? Was it just menthols and the mint flavor?

The article calls it “common”, but I’ve only seen it in a single brand of low-carb ice cream. I’ve actively sought low-carb options for over a decade. It’s even less common than xylitol.

Given the price I’ve seen for those services, that will be the first group to get gouged. People are apparently willing to pay a massive premium for them.