Aspartame is a high-intensity sweetener with the code INS 951 (E951). It is made from two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, joined as a methyl ester. It is about 200 times sweeter than sugar with a clean, sugar-like taste, so very little is used. Like protein it does supply energy, but the amount needed is so small that the calories it adds are negligible.
Aspartame breaks down with long heating and slowly in liquids, so it suits products that are not baked after it is added, such as seasonings, coatings, drinks and chewing gum. It is often blended with acesulfame potassium.
Because it releases phenylalanine, products with aspartame must carry a warning for people with phenylketonuria (PKU) in many countries, including Thailand. Aspartame has been evaluated by JECFA and is approved for food use. It is listed as a sugar substitute in Honey Butter Almond (Tom’s Brand).
