E950 – Acesulfame potassium
Flavour enhancerDescription
Acesulfame potassium is a synthetic, calorie-free sweetener derived from acetoacetic acid and potassium. It is manufactured through a reaction of acetoacetic acid with potassium hydroxide, followed by sulfonation.
Notes
Acesulfame potassium, often shortened to acesulfame K or ace-K, is an artificial sweetener created in laboratories from acetoacetic acid, a chemical compound that can be derived from natural sources but is usually made synthetically. The manufacturing process involves several chemical reactions that transform the starting materials into a stable, intensely sweet compound that's about 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. This sweetener is used to provide sweetness without adding calories to foods and beverages. You'll commonly find it in diet sodas, sugar-free gums, low-calorie yogurts, protein bars, and many 'light' or 'zero sugar' versions of popular foods. It's often combined with other artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to create a more sugar-like taste and reduce any slight aftertaste. Being entirely synthetic, acesulfame K is suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets and doesn't conflict with religious dietary laws. It's considered safe for most people, including diabetics, as it doesn't affect blood sugar levels. However, it does contain potassium, so people on potassium-restricted diets should be aware, though the amounts in typical food servings are quite small.