Neotame

Neotame is a high-intensity artificial sweetener used as a sugar substitute in a wide range of foods and beverages. It is an analog of aspartame, derived from a dipeptide structure with a modified N-terminus that enhances sweetness potency and stability, making it suitable for products that require cooking or prolonged storage.

Chemically, neotame is N-(3,3-dimethylbutyl)-L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester. Its design includes a 3,3-dimethylbutyl group that increases both its sweetness and resistance to enzymatic breakdown, which contributes to its robustness in processing and storage compared with some other sweeteners.

In terms of sweetness and stability, neotame is approximately 7,000 to 13,000 times sweeter than sucrose, with potency depending on formulation. It is stable across a wide pH range and under heat, allowing use in baked goods, hot beverages, and other processed foods where heat stability is advantageous. Because of its high potency, only small amounts are required to achieve the desired sweetness, which helps minimize caloric contribution.

Regulatory status and usage vary by jurisdiction, but neotame has been approved for use in foods and beverages by regulatory authorities in several regions, including the United States, and is employed in a variety of products such as soft drinks, dairy items, baked goods, and confectionery. Its approval is generally accompanied by safety evaluations indicating that it can be used within established intake levels.

Safety assessments conducted by food safety authorities conclude that neotame is safe for consumption at typical exposure levels. The compound’s high sweetness potency means it is used in much smaller amounts than sucrose, contributing little to calories while providing the desired sweetness in a wide range of products.