acesulfame

Acesulfame potassium, commonly referred to as Ace-K and sold under the code E950, is a synthetic, calorie-free sweetener used in a wide range of foods and beverages. It is about 200 times sweeter than sucrose and is valued for its stability under heat and across a broad pH range, making it suitable for baked goods and processed products.

Chemistry and properties: Acesulfame potassium is the potassium salt of a cyclic sulfonamide derivative. It is largely not metabolized by the human body and is excreted in urine largely unchanged, contributing no calories to the diet. It is stable during cooking, pasteurization, and storage, which helps preserve sweetness in various products.

Uses: It is widely employed in sugar-free and reduced-sugar formulations, including carbonated soft drinks, dairy products, desserts, chewing gums, confectionery, and tabletop sweeteners. Because many consumers perceive a mild aftertaste when Ace-K is used alone, it is commonly blended with other sweeteners such as aspartame or saccharin to improve taste.

Safety and regulation: Regulatory agencies consider acesulfame potassium safe for consumption within established acceptable daily intakes. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration approved its use in foods, and international bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority and JECFA have reviewed its safety, setting an ADI of 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. It is approved for use in many countries around the world.

See also: sweeteners, food additive regulation.