Aspartame
Learn what Aspartame (E951) is, why it's added to food, whether it's safe, and which products contain it.
Moderate concernWhat is Aspartame?
Aspartame is approximately 200 times sweeter than sugar. Unlike other sweeteners, it is not completely free of energy, but its caloric value (4 kcal/1 g) is so insignificant that its consumption in a typical diet is virtually impossible. Therefore, it can be classified as a non-caloric sweetener. During its metabolism, methanol is produced, but this is not a dangerous process. Methanol formation also occurs when consuming fruits or vegetables.
Why is Aspartame added to food?
Aspartame (E951) is a sweetener commonly found in: It is used worldwide as a sugar substitute in beverages, cereals, sugar-free chewing gum, diet sodas, and sweetener tablets..
Permitted quantity: The acceptable daily intake is 40 mg/kg body weight.
Is Aspartame safe?
Moderate concern
May cause fatigue, dizziness, or headaches. Plays a role in triggering brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, and diabetes.
Is Aspartame banned anywhere?
✓ Not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
Is Aspartame okay for kids?
Aspartame is not recommended for children.
Common foods that contain Aspartame
- It is used worldwide as a sugar substitute in beverages
- cereals
- sugar-free chewing gum
- diet sodas
- and sweetener tablets.
How to spot Aspartame on labels
Look for any of these names in the ingredients list:
- E951
- Aspartame
Common misspellings to watch for:
- dspartame
- aspartdme
- asdartame
- a$partame
- aspartame
- aspdrtame
Better alternatives
• Studies have shown that aspartame is not a safety concern as long as the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 40 mg/kg body weight is not exceeded. This ADI does not apply to individuals with phenylketonuria.
Also known as
- dspartame
- aspartdme
- asdartame
- a$partame
- aspartame
- aspdrtame
Scan products with BioBrief
Not sure if a product contains Aspartame? BioBrief scans the barcode and instantly shows you every additive in the ingredients list — including E951 — with a plain-language explanation.
Frequently asked questions about Aspartame
- Is Aspartame safe to eat?
- May cause fatigue, dizziness, or headaches. Plays a role in triggering brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, birth defects, and diabetes.
- Is Aspartame banned anywhere?
- Aspartame is not currently banned in the EU or known to be restricted in other countries.
- Is Aspartame safe for children?
- Aspartame is not recommended for children.
- How do I spot Aspartame on a food label?
- Look for E951, Aspartame in the ingredients list. It may also appear as: dspartame, aspartdme, asdartame.
Ingredients change. Always check the actual product label before purchasing. Information on this page is for educational purposes only.