Aspartame' Acesulfame Potassium

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Acesulfame Potassium, also known as Ace-K, is another artificial sweetener that is a potassium salt. These two high-intensity sweeteners are often used together to provide a more sugar-like taste and reduce any lingering aftertaste.

Manufacturers add aspartame and acesulfame potassium to foods and beverages to reduce sugar and calorie content. They are commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, powdered drink mixes, and low-calorie desserts.

Both aspartame and acesulfame potassium are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as general-purpose sweeteners. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated both and set an acceptable daily intake for each. 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. Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame because their bodies cannot properly process phenylalanine.