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.