Asparatame
What is Asparatame?
Aspartame is an artificial, non-nutritive sweetener that provides a sweet taste with very few calories. It is synthetically produced by combining two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine.
Is Asparatame vegan?
Asparatame is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Asparatame a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Asparatame used for?
Manufacturers add aspartame to foods and beverages as a sugar substitute because it is much sweeter than sugar.
Is Asparatame safe?
Aspartame is an FDA-approved food additive for use as a general-purpose sweetener in the United States.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add aspartame to foods and beverages as a sugar substitute because it is much sweeter than sugar. It is commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free gelatin, chewing gum, and other reduced-calorie or sugar-free products.
Health notes
Aspartame is an FDA-approved food additive for use as a general-purpose sweetener in the United States. JECFA has evaluated aspartame and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated aspartame and concluded it is safe at current intake levels. In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), while JECFA maintained its existing acceptable daily intake, stating there was no convincing evidence of harm at typical consumption levels.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen. However, individuals with the genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid phenylalanine, which is a component of aspartame.
Foods that contain Asparatame
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