Additives
Acesulfame K (E950): What It Is and Is It Safe?
Moderate
Sweetener · Sweetener
Intense artificial sweetener, 200x sweeter than sugar. Under-studied compared to other sweeteners. A 2021 study found it altered gut microbiome in mice. EFSA deems it safe but consumer groups call for more research.
- Category
- Sweetener — Sweetener
- Typically used in
- Diet drinks, sugar-free products, protein bars, chewing gum
- Regulatory status
- Approved EU/USA/UK. More research called for.
- Concerns flagged
-
Blood-sugar concernEndocrine disruptionGut-microbiome effectsLiver effects
Scrannr flags Acesulfame K automatically when you scan a barcode.
Sources
Where this comes from
- EFSA (2016) — Safety of the proposed extension of use of acesulfame K -E 950- in foods for special medical purposes in young children http://dx.doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4437
- Romo-Romo et al. (2016) — Effects of the Non-Nutritive Sweeteners on Glucose Metabolism and Appetite Regulating Hormones: Systematic Review https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0161264
- Song et al. (2024) — Acesulfame potassium induces hepatic inflammation and fatty acids accumulation via disturbance of carnitine metabolism and gut microbiota https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212429224015311
Products
Products containing Acesulfame K
We're building product pages that show real UK products containing Acesulfame K, using Open Food Facts data. They'll appear here soon — in the meantime, scan any barcode with the Scrannr app to check for it instantly.
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