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Join Telegram ChannelAcclaimed romance author Nicholas Sparks recently caused a social media frenzy with his chicken salad recipe featuring 16 sachets of Splenda.
Fans of “The Notebook” author were stunned by the inclusion of the artificial sweetener in her now-viral recipe.
Splenda, however, loves the novelist's choice of sweetener.
NICHOLAS SPARKS' CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE LEAVES FANS UPSET FROM SECRET INGREDIENT: 'GONE TOO FAR'
This contrasts with the confusion expressed by many social media users.
“We were thrilled to see Nicholas Sparks share that his staple #SparksSplendaSalad The chicken salad recipe uses Splenda in place of sugar, spreading joy among others, something fans of our brand have been doing for more than two decades,” Splenda spokesperson Beth Ruge shared in comment with Fox News Digital via email.
“Splenda helps consumers reduce added sugars, calories and carbohydrates without giving up delicious, sweet taste, and we are excited that our wide variety of products can make this possible for millions of people.”
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The artificial sweetener brand even shared its support on X, formerly known as Twitter, by retweeting and commenting on Sparks' recipe.
“We need this recipe on our website! Also, I need to get you a packet of Granulated Splenda so you don't have to use so many packets! DM us so I can make it happen. Don't Don't make me cry!” the artificial sweetener brand captioned Sparks' video response to X.
Splenda also congratulated the author on his new book, but made sure to reference the viral chicken salad recipe called “Sparks Splenda Salad.”
Besides the chicken, Sparks' salad includes a large sweet onion, celery, dill relish and diced jalapeños.
Nicholas Sparks shared his viral chicken salad recipe, which includes 16 packets of Splenda. (iStock; Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
The binding mayonnaise mixture is Duke's mayonnaise, which Sparks said has no sugar compared to Hellmann's — which is why he said he uses Splenda packets to sweeten the dish.
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He then adds apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and of course, Splenda.
The recipe on his Instagram post only called for eight packets, compared to 16 he mentioned in a recent video.
Splenda shows its approval for Nicholas Sparks' viral chicken salad recipe. (iStock; Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
The viral recipe received mixed reviews on social media.
“I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't really think I would like it [with] jalapeños and sweetener but it was delicious. I’m going to make the recipe again,” one Instagram user commented on Sparks’ post.
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“This is the second most cursed thing I read this morning,” another social media user commented.
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In Sparks' recent video, which included the viral recipe, he told fans they could opt for real sugar, “but why add sugar if you can use Splenda?”
Splenda congratulates romance author Sparks on her recent viral chicken salad recipe, which includes 16 Splenda packets. (Splenda; Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
Following the response to the interview, the author decided to share the entire chicken salad recipe, but this only led to more confusion among fans.
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Fox News Digital Lifestyle has reached out to Sparks' team for comment.