Aspartame
Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than table sugar and often used as a sugar substitute.
Found In
- Diet sodas
- Flavored water
- Low-calorie desserts
- Medications, like chewable vitamins or cough syrups
- Sugar-free gums
- Diet sodas
- Flavored water
- Low-calorie desserts
- Medications, like chewable vitamins or cough syrups
- Sugar-free gums
Also Known As
- AminoSweet
- Equal
- Nutrasweet
- Sugar Twin
- AminoSweet
- Equal
- Nutrasweet
- Sugar Twin
The Beverage Bottom Line
Aspartame is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
Aspartame is authorized for use in the U.S., Europe and Canada.
This ingredient may have authorizations in countries not included on this site.
International Assessments and Authorizations
FDA U.S. Food And Drug Administration
Safe for intended uses. (FDA Approved)
In 2023, FDA reaffirmed the safety of aspartame.
* On-product label must bear the following statement: ‘PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE.’
Learn more →EFSA European Food Safety Authority
Safe for intended uses. [additive]
In 2011a and 2011b, EFSA evaluated health claims related to Aspartame and either lower blood glucose rise after consumption or maintenance of tooth mineralization.
* On-product label must bear the following statement when aspartame is declared: ‘contains a source of phenylalanine.’
Learn more →JECFA Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives
Safe for intended uses.
Learn more →Health Canada
Safe for intended uses.
* On-product label must bear the following statement: ‘contains phenylalanine.’
Learn more →This page was last updated on 2/25/2026