Does Europe Allow Artificial Sweeteners? Navigating EU Food Regulations

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 90 countries worldwide, including EU member states, authorize the use of aspartame, with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) ensuring strict safety assessments. So, does Europe allow artificial sweeteners? Yes, but their use is tightly regulated by the EU to ensure consumer safety and requires transparent labeling.

Quick Summary

Many artificial sweeteners are permitted in the EU under strict safety regulations, including those by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), with mandatory labeling for consumer awareness.

Key Points

EU-Wide Regulation: All artificial sweeteners used in Europe are regulated under EU law, primarily Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
EFSA's Key Role: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts scientific safety assessments and re-evaluations for all sweeteners before and during their use.
Extensive Approved List: At least 19 different sweeteners, including intense sweeteners (like aspartame, sucralose) and polyols (like erythritol, xylitol), are currently authorized.
Mandatory E-Numbers: Every approved sweetener is identified by an E-number and must be declared in the ingredients list on food packaging.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI): EFSA sets an ADI for each sweetener, establishing a safe consumption level over a lifetime.
Ongoing Re-evaluations: All additives approved before 2009 are being systematically re-evaluated to reflect the latest science, with recent updates for Acesulfame K (2025) and Neotame (2025).
Usage-Specific Safety: Some sweeteners, like sucralose, require caution when heated to high temperatures (above 120°C) due to potential compound formation.

The EU's Regulatory Framework for Food Additives

The European Union regulates food additives, including sweeteners, to protect public health through Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008. Before authorization, each additive must undergo a scientific safety evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Approved sweeteners are assigned an E-number and must be listed on food labels by name or E-number. EFSA also sets an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for each sweetener, indicating a safe daily consumption level over a lifetime.

A List of EU-Approved Sweeteners

There are 19 authorized sweeteners in the EU, broadly categorized as intense sweeteners and polyols.

Intense Sweeteners (High-Potency)

These offer high sweetness with minimal calories.

Acesulfame K (E950): Confirmed safe by EFSA in 2025.
Aspartame (E951): Confirmed safe at ADI in 2013; requires phenylalanine labeling for phenylketonuria.
Sucralose (E955): Approved since 2005; EFSA confirmed safety, but heating above 120°C may form harmful compounds.
Steviol Glycosides (E960): Natural sweeteners from the stevia plant.
Saccharin (E954): Safety re-confirmed with an increased ADI in 2024.
Neotame (E961): Confirmed safe with an increased ADI in 2025.

Polyols (Sugar Alcohols)

Polyols are less sweet than sugar and have fewer calories.

Erythritol (E968): Re-evaluation completed in 2023.
Xylitol (E967): Currently undergoing re-evaluation.
Sorbitol (E420): Also being re-evaluated by EFSA.

Scrutiny and Safety: Re-evaluating Approved Sweeteners

The EU requires continuous re-evaluation of food additives approved before 2009, based on new scientific data. This process has updated ADIs, such as for Acesulfame K and Neotame. While EFSA confirmed aspartame's safety in 2013, a 2023 WHO report classified it as "possibly carcinogenic" (Group 2B), though the WHO's JECFA did not alter the ADI. Concerns also exist about heating sucralose above 120°C due to potential harmful compound formation.

Navigating EU Labels: What to Look For

EU labeling laws mandate "with sweetener(s)" on products containing them. Specific terms are defined: "Energy-reduced" means at least a 30% calorie reduction, and "With no added sugars" prohibits adding mono- or disaccharides. Products with over 10% added polyols must warn of potential laxative effects.

Comparing Sweeteners: EU Status and Usage


Sweetener (E-Number)	Status in EU	Relative Sweetness (vs. Sugar)	ADI (mg/kg bw/day)	Common Uses	Notes
Aspartame (E951)	Approved (Re-evaluated 2013)	~200x	40	Soft drinks, desserts, table-top sweeteners	Must label for phenylalanine source
Sucralose (E955)	Approved (Since 2005)	~600x	15	Soft drinks, baked goods, dairy products	Potential for harmful compounds when heated above 120°C
Acesulfame K (E950)	Approved (Re-evaluated 2025)	~200x	15 (revised 2025)	Soft drinks, chewing gum, dairy products	Often blended with other sweeteners
Steviol Glycosides (E960)	Approved (Since 2010)	200-300x	4	Drinks, yogurt, table-top sweeteners	Natural, extracted from Stevia plant
Erythritol (E968)	Approved (Re-evaluated 2023)	~0.7x	Not specified; low toxicity	Confectionery, low-calorie foods	A polyol; minimal energy value
Xylitol (E967)	Approved (Re-evaluation ongoing)	~1x	Not specified; low toxicity	Chewing gum, mints, dental products	A polyol; excessive consumption can have laxative effects

Specific Restrictions and Changes in EU Law

EU regulations have evolved, notably with the Food for Specific Groups (FSG) Regulation 609/2013. Effective in 2016, this abolished the "dietetic foods" concept, meaning products like "dietetic fine bakery goods" can no longer use artificial sweeteners and must comply with standard rules. This shows that while allowed, sweetener use has specific category restrictions.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Artificial Sweeteners in Europe

Yes, the EU permits many artificial sweeteners, but under strict regulation and scientific review by EFSA. Approved intense sweeteners include Acesulfame K, Aspartame, and Sucralose, alongside polyols like Erythritol and Xylitol. Ongoing debate, such as around aspartame and sucralose heating, shows the dynamic nature of safety assessments. Mandatory EU labeling helps consumers make informed choices. The system ensures sweeteners are allowed but carefully monitored. More info is available on the EFSA official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, aspartame (E951) is not banned in Europe. Following a full risk assessment in 2013, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that it is safe for consumption at the established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).

An E-number is a code given to food additives that have been approved for use within the European Union. For sweeteners, this number indicates that the substance has passed rigorous safety tests by the EFSA.

Yes, the authorization and use of artificial sweeteners are harmonized at the EU level. All member states must follow the regulations set by the European Parliament and Council.

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has raised concerns that when sucralose (E955) is heated above 120°C (such as in baking), harmful chlorinated compounds might form. It is recommended to avoid heating sucralose to high temperatures.

The ADI is an estimate of the amount of a substance that can be safely consumed daily over a lifetime without presenting an appreciable health risk. It is set by the EFSA based on extensive research.

In 2016, the EU abolished the concept of 'dietetic food' under Regulation 609/2013. This change meant that certain products, like 'dietetic fine bakery wares,' could no longer contain artificial sweeteners, and must now comply with standard food additive rules.

Intense sweeteners (like aspartame) are significantly sweeter than sugar and have no or insignificant caloric value. Polyols, or sugar alcohols (like erythritol), are less sweet than sugar, have a lower caloric value, and are not absorbed as easily, which is why excessive consumption can cause laxative effects.