aspartame

Basic Information

Field	Content
Chinese name	aspartame
English name	aspartame
INS/E number	INS 951
Functional class	Artificial sweetener
Year adopted	1981
Approved by	Australia/New Zealand (FSANZ), European Union (EFSA)

What is it?

Aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a synthetic low-calorie, high-intensity sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It is metabolised in the body to aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol.

Source

Industrial：由天冬氨酸与苯丙氨酸甲酯经缩合反应化学合成制得

Why is it used?

• High-intensity sweetness with very low calories
• Blends with Ace-K to improve taste and mask aftertaste
• Widely used in diet beverages and low-calorie foods
• Non-cariogenic
• Suited to diabetic and weight-control foods

Common Foods

• Diet carbonated beverages
• Yoghurt and dairy
• Chewing gum
• Table-top sweeteners
• Jellies and confectionery
• Low-calorie instant drinks

Safety

ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake)：0–40 mg/kg bw

Concerns：

• 苯丙酮尿症患者（PKU）不可食用，须标注警示
• 高温烘焙下部分分解，不适合长时间高温焙烤
• 含甲醇代谢物但量远低于危害阈值

Usage Standard

China：GB 2760《食品安全国家标准 食品添加剂使用标准》；GB 2760 中须标示“阿斯巴甜（含苯丙氨酸）”

International：

• EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex II (E 951)
• EFSA 2013 re-evaluation
• FDA 21 CFR 172.804
• Codex GSFA (INS 951)
• FSANZ Food Standards Code (951)
• JECFA Monograph (Aspartame)

In a nutshell

Aspartame is a synthetic low-calorie high-intensity sweetener safe for the general public but prohibited for PKU patients and must be labelled.

Consumer Advice

A low-calorie artificial sweetener. People with PKU must avoid it because it contains phenylalanine. Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans by WHO, but safe within daily limits.

Dietary Restrictions

• Vegan: ✅
• Halal: ✅
• Kosher: ✅

Allergens

✅ Free from common allergens

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an evaluation/rating of any product or ingredient. This information may not apply to you; before using or taking any action, you should contact the manufacturer, vendor, medical, dietary, fitness, or other professionals. If you use any information provided here, you do so at your own risk.