Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K and ACK, is an artificial sweetener. While it tastes 200 times sweeter than sugar, it contains no calories. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved this sugar alternative as a food additive in 1988. It’s manufactured by Hoechst AG and has the E number E950. Since then, the world’s health community has developed mixed opinions about the safety of this sweetener. The majority of claims say that ACK or acesulfame potassium is safe for human consumption and poses no health risks.
What is acesulfame potassium?
Acesulfame potassium, also known as Acesulfame K or Ace K, is a sweetener that’s 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s used in a variety of foods, beverages, and dietary supplements.
Acesulfame potassium is often used in combination with other artificial sweeteners to enhance their sweetness. It can be found in products such as chewing gum, baked goods and desserts, breakfast cereals, gelatin desserts and puddings, frozen dairy desserts such as ice cream, yogurt and frozen novelties; soft drinks (non-carbonated), chewable vitamins and cough syrups; tabletop sweeteners; gelatins; instant coffee and tea beverages; powdered drink mixes; tabletop sweeteners; hard candies; jams and jellies; chewing gum; fruit spreads; yogurt and gelatins.
The FDA has approved the use of acesulfame potassium in the U.S., but it’s not considered a safe option for diabetics or pregnant women because it may cause side effects like headaches or nausea when consumed in large quantities over time.* The recommended daily intake for adults is no more than 15 milligrams per kilogram body weight per day (mg/kg/d).
What is acesulfame potassium made from?
The acetoacetyl group is derived from acetic acid, which gives vinegar its tart flavor. The methylene molecule comes from methane gas (CH4).
Acesulfame potassium was discovered in 1967 by German scientists at Hoechst AG who were trying to create new insecticides. They discovered that the compound had a sweet taste, so they marketed it as an artificial sweetener instead.
Today, acesulfame potassium is used in many diet foods and drinks because it contains no calories. It can be found in chewing gum, baked goods and non-dairy creamers.
What is acesulfame potassium used for?
Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener that’s about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It’s commonly used in baked goods, beverages, desserts and chewing gum.
It’s also found in other foods such as yogurt and ice cream, tabletop sweeteners, chewing gum, candies and gelatin desserts.
Some studies suggest that acesulfame potassium may be safe for pregnant women to use in moderation. Other research has shown that high doses of this sweetener can cause cancer in animals. This has led some scientists to question whether it may be harmful to humans as well.
Acesulfame potassium is considered “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) by the FDA. This means it’s approved for use in most foods except those that are required to have a label stating whether or not they contain any ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
How is acesulfame potassium made of?
An Ace-K product is made commercially through the reaction of sulfamic acid, diketene, triethylamine, acetic acid and potassium hydroxide.
Here are the five steps of the manufacturing process:
- Step 1: Chemical reaction between sulfamic acid, triethylamine, and acetic acid in order to create a Mido sulfamic acid salt.
- Step 2: Acitrate of amidosulfamic acid is formed by combining it with diketene.
- Step 3: Using sulfur trioxide as a cyclizing agent, convert acetoacetamide salt into cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct.
- Step 4: Hydrolyze the cyclic sulfur trioxide adduct to obtain acesulfame-H.
- Step 5: Using potassium hydroxide to neutralize acesulfame-H to obtain the final product.
What are the acesulfame potassium health benefits?
After absorption, Ace-K is quickly excreted unchanged via the urine and does not accumulate in our body. There are no calories, no insulin spikes, and no dental caries caused by it.
Zero Glycemic Index
Due to its inability to be metabolized by the human body, Acesulfame K has a glycemic index of 0. Consequently, it is safe for diabetics since it does not raise blood sugar or insulin levels.
Tooth friendly
Since it won’t cause tooth decay, it is suitable for use in children’s food.
Specification
| Other Names | 6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide potassium salt |
| CAS Number | 55589-62-3 |
| Chemical formula | C4H4KNO4S |
| Molecular Weight | 201.24 |
Properties
Appearance
White crystalline powder.
Sweetness
Like sodium saccharin, its 3% solution has a slightly bitter aftertaste at high concentrations and is approximately 200 times sweeter than table sugar. The sweetness is the same as aspartame, 2/3 sweeter than sodium saccharin, and 1/3 sweeter than sucralose.
Solubility
This drug is very soluble in water (30 g per 100 ml at 20°C) and a little soluble in ethanol (1.5 g per 100 ml).
Structure
What is the application of acesulfame potassium?
Acesulfame K is commonly used in reduced sugar and calorie foods, such as soft drinks, tabletop sweeteners, baked goods, confectionery, and dairy products.
In Pepsi’s zero sugar soda, for example, it is combined with aspartame to mask its metallic taste and produce a synergistic sweet effect.
There is an ingredient called aspartame-acesulfame salt, which is composed of two molecules of aspartame and one molecule of acesulfame K, with the number E962. Sucralose or sugar alcohols can also be added to Ace K to create a more sugar-like flavor.
Diet Coke’s feisty cherry and coca-cola zero sugar also contain Ace K since they have zero calories and good taste.
In addition, Ace K is used in energy drinks such as Red Bull and Nestle’s Coffemate as a non-calorie and sugar-free sweetener.
Is acesulfame potassium safe?
Yes, acesulfame potassium is safe when used as directed. The sweetener has also been approved by several regulatory agencies around the world — including Health Canada, Australia/New Zealand, South Africa/Canada and Mexico — with no restrictions on how much can be added to a product.
FDA
It is safe to use as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in food.
EFSA
As an authorized food additive, Acesulfame potassium E950 is categorized as a “sweetener” in Regulation (EU) No 231/2012.
Authorised Uses And Use Levels
A number of food applications include the use of this chemical, with maximum dosages ranging from 25 mg/kg (in beer) to “quantum satis” (in table-top sweeteners). You can find it in energy-reduced or no sugar products such as:
- Jams jellies and marmalades
- Sauces
- Spreads
- Cocoa and Chocolate products
- Chewing gum
- Ice cream
- Table-top sweeteners
- Dietary foods for weight loss
- Flavored drinks
- Desserts
- Fine bakery wares
UK Food Standards Agency
In the “Sweeteners” category
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
The code number 950 is used in Australia and New Zealand.
JECFA
Functional Class: Food additives, flavor enhancers, sweeteners.
What is acesulfame potassium side effects?
Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K or Ace K, is a calorie-free sweetener that’s 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It’s often blended with other artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, saccharin and sucralose to improve taste.
Acesulfame potassium side effects
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acesulfame potassium for use in food in 1988. Since then, studies have examined the potential health effects of this artificial sweetener on people who consume it regularly. Here’s what the research shows:
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Some people experience gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming large amounts of acesulfame potassium or other artificial sweeteners. These include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Individuals who have irritable bowel syndrome might also experience these symptoms after consuming artificial sweeteners because they trigger gut inflammation. Other gastrointestinal reactions include diarrhea and bloating due to excess gas production.
Cardiovascular effects
Acesulfame potassium may cause an increase in blood pressure if consumed in high doses. This effect is more pronounced in people who already have high blood pressure or heart disease. The cardiovascular effects of acesulfame potassium are mild compared to other artificial sweeteners like aspartame, which has been linked to heart disease and cancer in animal studies. In addition, acesulfame potassium has not been linked to any cases of cardiovascular disease in humans despite being used by millions of people worldwide for decades.
Neurological symptoms
Neurological symptoms are not commonly associated with acesulfame potassium but can occur in some rare cases. These include headaches, dizziness, numbness in the hands or feet, irritability and insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Kidney stones may also develop if you consume too much acesulfame potassium on a regular basis. This occurs when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine and forms crystals that clump together into stones that block urine flow through the kidneys.
Does acesulfame potassium cause cancer?
The short answer is no, there is no evidence that acesulfame potassium causes cancer. It has been used in over 4,000 products since 1988. In fact, the FDA has found that acesulfame potassium is safe for human consumption and does not cause cancer or any other adverse health effects.
Does acesulfame potassium cause headaches?
You may have heard that Ace K can cause headaches. While there isn’t much research on this topic yet, there are several theories about why this might happen—and what you can do about it if you experience headaches after consuming foods containing Ace K.
Does acesulfame potassium upset stomachs?
Acesulfame potassium is a food additive that’s used to sweeten products and has been found to be safe for human consumption. It’s the same substance that’s in Equal brand sweetener.
In one study on its effects on people with diabetes, researchers found that acesulfame potassium didn’t affect blood sugar levels or insulin sensitivity when used in place of other sweeteners. In fact, it may actually improve blood sugar levels.
Does acesulfame potassium cause allergy?
No, acesulfame potassium does not cause allergy. Acesulfame potassium was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1988 and is commonly found in foods such as baked goods and desserts. It has also been used in drinks such as soft drinks, juice drinks, ready-to-drink teas and coffees, and gelatins.
Does acesulfame potassium cause weight gain?
Acesulfame potassium doesn’t actually contribute to weight gain; rather, it’s really just another trigger for impulsive eating.
Is acesulfame potassium safe during pregnancy?
The short answer is yes, acesulfame potassium (also known as Ace-K) is safe to consume during pregnancy. The only concern with Ace-K is that it may cause hives in those who are sensitive to it. This is a rare side effect, however, and most people will be fine with consuming it during pregnancy.
Where to buy acesulfame potassium?
You can find acesulfame potassium in most grocery stores, or you can buy it online. You might also see it listed as Ace-K, Sunett or Sweet One.
Ace-K can be purchased online from many websites and retailers including Amazon.com and eBay. You can also find Ace-K at your local grocery store or convenience store if you live in the United States.
if you purchase large quantity of acesulfame potassium for your company in bulk, you can purchase from Grade Chemical in China, which is one acesulfame potassium manufacturing company.
Frequently asked questions
Is acesulfame potassium harmful?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ace-K for use in humans and animals. It’s considered safe for people with diabetes, although there haven’t been any studies on its effects on people with type 1 diabetes or insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. It may help you lose weight if you follow a calorie-controlled diet with exercise, but there aren’t enough studies to know for sure.
Acesulfame potassium is considered safe when consumed in moderation as part of your diet plan. You should limit your consumption because too much can cause side effects like headaches, dizziness or nausea.”
How to manufacture acesulfame potassium?
The manufacturing process for acesulfame potassium involves several steps. The first step is to combine acetoacetamide and anhydrous hydrazine in a reactor at temperatures of 120 degrees Celsius. This reaction produces a series of intermediate compounds including N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methylbutanamide (AM). The AM is then oxidized with sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide to produce acetic acid and sodium acetate. The acetic acid is then reacted with ammonia to produce 2-methylbutanamide, which undergoes further oxidation steps to produce the final product: acefufamate potassium salt.
Is acesulfame potassium natural?
Acesulfame potassium is not natural. It’s created in a lab by combining two chemicals: acetoacetamide and potassium hydrogen carbonate.
Is acesulfame potassium halal?
Ace-K is not considered halal because it contains a chemical called potassium acetate, which is made from pork.
Is acesulfame potassium kosher?
Yes, acesulfame potassium is kosher. Acesulfame potassium is a synthetic sweetener that does not contain any animal-derived ingredients and therefore is kosher by definition.
Is acesulfame potassium vegan?
Yes, The product is vegan friendly since it is produced without using animal matter or animal products. Vegetarians can therefore include it in their diet.
Is acesulfame potassium gluten free?
Ace-K is derived from acetoacetic acid and sulfamic acid, which are both chemically synthesized ingredients. These chemicals are not gluten-free and should be avoided if you have celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity.
Is acesulfame potassium the same as aspartame?
Although both acesulfame K and aspartame act as artificial sweeteners, they have different properties. There are six main differences between them:
- Ace K has a bitter aftertaste while aspartame doesn’t.
- Unlike aspartame, ace k cannot be digested or metabolized by the human body.
- Aspartame contains more than 2% the calories of table sugar, whereas Ace K is a non-nutritive, high-intensity sweetener without calories.
- Ace K is heat stable up to 225°C and can be used in baking and cooking, whereas aspartame will decompose below 100°C and cannot be used in baking.
- For aspartame, the ADI is 50 mg/kg bw/d, while for ace k, it is 15 mg/kg bw/d.
- Compared to ace k, aspartame appears to be less safe because it produces phenylalanine, a substance that may be dangerous for those with phenylketonuria (PKU). As a result, some people should avoid aspartame.
Conclusion
Acesulfame potassium can be found in many sugar-free foods, soft drinks, yogurt, cereals and baked goods. It is also used as a sugar substitute. It can be used in cooking to enhance the taste of some foods. The FDA has approved this sweetener as a food additive, but some say that it may not be good for you.
By using this page, you can search through the Acesulfame Potassium (E950) report to find a brief description of the report plus other useful information. We hope that by sharing essential knowledge about Acesulfame Potassium (E950), we will help people who find this information make informed decisions.
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