Sweetener Acesulfame-k

Acesulfame potassium, often called Ace-K, is a zero-calorie artificial sweetener. It is synthesized in a laboratory, typically starting with a compound called acetoacetic acid.

Ace-K is about 200 times sweeter than sugar and is often blended with other sweeteners to provide a more sugar-like taste. It is used in a variety of sugar-free and reduced-sugar products, including beverages, baked goods, candies, and tabletop sweeteners.

In the U.S., Acesulfame potassium is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated it. Some studies have raised questions about its long-term effects, but regulatory agencies consider it safe at typical consumption levels.