Acesulfame K

Acesulfame potassium, often called Ace-K, is an artificial sweetener. It is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It is made through a chemical process involving the compound acetoacetic acid.

Ace-K is used to provide sweetness in foods and beverages with fewer calories than sugar. It is often blended with other artificial sweeteners to create a more sugar-like taste. It is commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free candies, baked goods, and tabletop sweeteners.

Acesulfame potassium is approved by the FDA as a food additive. It is also generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a general-purpose sweetener. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated its safety. Some studies have raised questions about its long-term effects, but regulatory agencies have determined it is safe at current consumption levels.