Aspartame-acesulfame salt

Food additives Europe numbers: E962
Aspartame-acesulfame salt (also known as INS 962 or E 962) is a low-calorie sweetener used in a variety of food and beverage products. Here's a breakdown of its properties and applications:

Composition:

• Aspartame-acesulfame salt is a combination of two artificial sweeteners:
  • Aspartame (approximately 64%)
  • Acesulfame K (approximately 36%)

Sweetening Power:

• This combination sweetener is about 350 times sweeter than sugar [1].

Function in Food:

• Aspartame-acesulfame salt is used to add sweetness to food and beverages while reducing calorie content. It's commonly found in:
  • Diet sodas and other sugar-free drinks
  • Sugar-free desserts and candies
  • Yogurt and other dairy products
  • Tabletop sweeteners

Safety:

• Aspartame and acesulfame K, the individual components of the salt, have been evaluated by various regulatory bodies like the FDA and JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumption at approved levels [2, 3].

Regulations and Considerations:

• The use of aspartame-acesulfame salt is typically regulated by food safety authorities, with limitations on the amount used depending on the food product [4].
• Some people may experience side effects like headaches or digestive issues after consuming aspartame, but these are typically rare and mild [5]. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) need to avoid aspartame due to a genetic condition.

Alternatives:

• There are other sugar substitutes available, such as:
  • Stevia: A natural, plant-based sweetener
  • Sucralose: Another artificial sweetener
  • Sugar alcohols: These have some calories but less than sugar

Overall:

Aspartame-acesulfame salt is a low-calorie sweetener commonly used in various food and beverage products. It's generally considered safe when consumed within regulatory limits. However, some people might experience side effects, and there are alternative sweeteners available.