aceszulfámK

Acesulfame potassium, often abbreviated as Ace-K, is a high-intensity artificial sweetener. It is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). Its chemical name is 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide potassium salt. Ace-K is commonly used in a wide variety of food and beverage products, including diet sodas, sugar-free desserts, chewing gum, and baked goods. It is often blended with other artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame or sucralose, to achieve a more balanced sweetness profile and mask any lingering aftertaste. The sweetness of Ace-K is perceived quickly, but it can also have a slightly bitter or metallic aftertaste for some individuals, especially at higher concentrations. It is not metabolized by the body and is excreted unchanged, meaning it provides no calories. Regulatory bodies in many countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have approved Ace-K for use as a food additive. These approvals are based on extensive safety evaluations.