Aspartame-acesulfame Salt

Aspartame-acesulfame salt is an artificial sweetener that combines aspartame and acesulfame potassium into a single ingredient. This salt is formed by chemically bonding the two sweeteners, which results in a product that is sweeter than either component alone and has a more balanced taste profile.

Manufacturers add aspartame-acesulfame salt to foods and beverages as a high-intensity sweetener. It is used to provide a sweet taste without adding calories from sugar. Common applications include chewing gum, mints, sugar-free candies, and other reduced-calorie or sugar-free products.

Aspartame-acesulfame salt is an FDA-approved food additive for use as a sweetener in the United States. Both aspartame and acesulfame potassium have been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which has set acceptable daily intakes 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 for aspartame, stating that there was no convincing evidence of harm at typical consumption levels. Scientific evidence regarding the health effects of aspartame remains mixed, with ongoing research and differing conclusions from various bodies.