What is Aspartame?
Also known as: Aspartame, E951
Short answer
Aspartame (E951) is an artificial sweetener used in sugar-free and diet products. In 2023 the WHO's IARC classified it as 'possibly carcinogenic' (2B); but the same assessment stated the acceptable daily intake (40 mg per kg) is still safe. So an occasional serving is fine, and all-day consumption should be reduced.
What is Aspartame and what does it do?
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar; it is found in diet soda, sugar-free gum, light desserts and some medicines. In the body it breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid and methanol, which is why it is banned for people with phenylketonuria.
What is it for?
It provides sweetness without calories; used instead of sugar it can help lower calorie and blood-sugar load. It does not cause tooth decay. This is why it is preferred in diet and sugar-free products.
What to watch for
In 2023 IARC classified aspartame as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' (Group 2B); this is not 'definite carcinogen' but a caution level where evidence is limited. The EU authority EFSA considers it safe up to 40 mg per kg per day (which for a 60 kg person equals many diet cans a day). It is strictly banned for people with phenylketonuria.
If you want to avoid it
An occasional diet drink or sugar-free gum is not a safety problem. If you consume sweetened products all day, reducing the total amount is sensible. If you have phenylketonuria, watch for the 'contains a source of phenylalanine' warning on the label.
Products containing Aspartame
- Ülker Oneo Slims Karpuz 14 GOneob
- Coca-Cola Light Kutu 6 x 250 MlCoca-Colab
- Olips Zero Şekersiz Limon Portakal Greyfurt Aromalı 28 GOlipsb
- First Sensations Karpuz Aromalı 27 GFirstb
- Lipton Ice Tea Şekersiz Şeftali Aromalı Soğuk Çay Kutu 330 MlLiptonb
- First Sensations Tropikal Karnaval 27 GFirstc
- First Sensations Nane Aromalı 27 GFirstb
- Isushi Philadelphia Roll Sushi 190 GIsushic
- Kınık Karadut & Frenk Üzümü Maden Suyu 6 x 200 MlKınık
- Sprite Limon Aromalı Gazoz Kutu 6 x 250 MlSpritec
- Olips Mini Mints Nane Aromalı 12.5 GOlipsb
- Uludağ Sıfır Kalori Tonik 250 MlUludağb
Did you see this ingredient in a product?
Scan the product barcode or take a photo of the ingredients; we analyse every ingredient in seconds.
Frequently asked
Does aspartame cause cancer?
IARC said 'possibly carcinogenic' (2B) in 2023, meaning limited evidence. EFSA considers it safe within the daily limit. Risk is low at moderate intake; avoiding excess is wise.
How much per day is safe?
EFSA's limit is 40 mg per kg per day; for most people this equals many diet drinks a day, so normal consumption is far below the limit.
Who should avoid it?
People with phenylketonuria must strictly avoid it; otherwise simply not consuming it excessively and constantly is enough.
Sources
This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.