Acesulfame Potassium And Gellan Gum

Acesulfame potassium, often called Ace-K, is an artificial sweetener. It is synthesized from acetoacetic acid and is about 200 times sweeter than sugar. Gellan gum is a polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea. It is made through a fermentation process.

Manufacturers use acesulfame potassium as a zero-calorie sweetener in a variety of products, often blended with other sweeteners to improve taste. Gellan gum is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent. They appear together in products like yogurt and meal replacement supplements.

Acesulfame potassium is approved by the FDA as a food additive. It has been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA. Some studies have raised questions about its long-term effects, but regulatory bodies have generally affirmed its safety at typical consumption levels. Gellan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and has been evaluated by EFSA.