Acesulfame K (E950) — What You Need to Know
What Is Acesulfame K?
Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K, Ace-K) is an artificial sweetener approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar. It was discovered in 1967 by Karl Clauss at Hoechst AG. It is heat-stable, making it suitable for baking, and is commonly combined with other sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to mask a slightly bitter aftertaste.
What Is It Used For?
Used in diet drinks, sugar-free candy, chewing gum, tabletop sweeteners, and baked goods. Frequently blended with aspartame or sucralose in diet beverages.
Safety Assessment
Some animal studies have suggested that high doses of acesulfame K may affect thyroid function, though these studies used doses far exceeding normal human consumption. Critics have noted that the original safety studies in the 1970s were limited in scope. More recent concerns have been raised about potential impacts on gut microbiome composition, though this research is preliminary. The CSPI (Center for Science in the Public Interest) has historically listed it as a sweetener to avoid due to insufficient safety data.
Based on current evidence, Acesulfame K is rated Caution with a score of 5/10. This is 0.8 points below the average for sweeteners (5.8/10). Last reviewed by regulators: 2020. A typical diet provides about 0.2% of the acceptable daily intake.
Commonly Found In
Always check the label for E950 or 'Acesulfame K'
▶Chemical Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Acesulfame K
Quick Facts
- E-Number
- E950
- INS Number
- 950
- Category
- Sweeteners
- Origin
- Synthetic
- FDA Status
- Approved
- EFSA Status
- Authorized
- ADI
- 15 mg/kg bw/day
- Last Review
- 2020
Related Additives
Other sweeteners in the same family