Acesulfame potassium, often shortened to Ace-K, is a synthetic high-intensity sweetener with the code INS 950 (E950). It is roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar, so only a tiny amount is needed, and it passes through the body without being broken down, which means it adds no calories. It was discovered in 1967 and has been evaluated by JECFA and approved for food use in many countries.
Snack makers like it because it stays stable when heated and stored. It is usually paired with sugar or other sweeteners: on its own, at higher levels, it can leave a slightly bitter aftertaste, while in blends the sweetness tastes rounder. On ingredient lists it may appear by name or under the heading “sugar substitute”.
On SeekSnack it turns up in sweet and savoury snacks alike, from Cororo Grape Jelly to Squidy - Seasoned Roller Squid Hot&Spicy, where it sits next to soy sauce and chilli.
