200× sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) on a weight basis
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200× sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) on a weight basis
1. Chemical Identity & Properties
Name & Code: Acesulfame potassium, often abbreviated Ace-K or by its E-number E950.
Structure & Stability: A white crystalline powder (C₄H₄KNO₄S) that’s highly soluble in water. It’s heat-stable (suitable for baking) and pH-stable, making it versatile across a wide range of products.
2. Sweetness & Function
Intensity: ~200× sweeter than sucrose (table sugar) on a weight basis.
Taste Profile: Clean sweetness but can exhibit a slight bitter or metallic aftertaste at high concentrations.
Blending: Commonly paired with other sweeteners (e.g., aspartame, sucralose) to mask aftertastes and produce a more sugar-like taste profile.
3. Typical Applications in Foods & Beverages
Beverages: Soft drinks, powdered drink mixes, energy drinks
Baked Goods & Confections: Cakes, cookies, chewing gum (retains sweetness through baking)
Dairy & Desserts: Yogurts, puddings, ice creams
Table-top Sweeteners: Packets and tablets marketed as “zero-calorie” sweeteners
4. Regulatory Status & Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
Approval: Authorized for use by FDA (USA, 1988), EFSA (EU, 2002), JECFA (Codex) and most global regulators.
ADI Levels:
JECFA / EFSA: 15 mg/kg body weight per day
FDA: 15 mg/kg bw/day (often rounded to ~9 mg/kg bw/day in some sources)
Labeling: Must appear as “acesulfame K” or “E950” on ingredient lists.
5. Metabolism & Safety
Absorption & Excretion: Poorly metabolized; largely excreted unchanged via the kidneys.
Toxicology: Extensive studies have found no carcinogenic, teratogenic, or mutagenic effects at exposures below the ADI.
Allergenicity: Not known to be allergenic or to affect blood glucose levels.
6. Practical Considerations for Formulation
Usage Levels: Typically used at 0.01–0.05% (w/w) depending on product and desired sweetness.
Compatibility: Mixes well with most formulation ingredients; watch for interactions that might enhance bitter notes.
Processing: No special handling—dissolves readily in both hot and cold aqueous phases.
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