Product description:

Aspartame (E951) is a synthetic, low-carbohydrate sweetener used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of foods and beverages. Chemically, it is a methyl ester of a dipeptide composed of two naturally occurring amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Its molecular formula is C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅.

Aspartame tastes about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, although its sweetness develops more slowly and lingers longer on the palate. It is odorless and highly soluble in water.

Due to its low decomposition temperature (around 80°C), aspartame is not used in products that require high-heat processing. However, its intense sweetness allows for minimal dosage, contributing virtually no calories to the final product — a key benefit for calorie-conscious consumers.

Aspartame is not classified as a carcinogen, and has been widely accepted as a sugar alternative that allows people to enjoy sweet flavors without gaining weight.

When metabolized, aspartame breaks down into amino acids that are naturally found in protein and essential to human nutrition. However, because it contains phenylalanine, products with E951 must include a warning label for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) — a rare hereditary disorder.

Numerous clinical and toxicological studies have confirmed aspartame’s safety when consumed within acceptable daily intake (ADI) levels:

 Up to 50 mg per kg of body weight in the US

 Up to 40 mg/kg in the European Union

Aspartame is commonly used in low-calorie or sugar-free products such as soft drinks, chewing gum, hard candies, and various confectioneries.