What is Aspartame (E951)?
Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used globally as a sugar substitute. Discovered in 1965 by chemist James Schlatter, it is comprised of two amino acids, aspartic acid and phenylalanine, and is a methyl ester. Because it is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular table sugar (sucrose), only a very small amount is needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness in a product. For this reason, while it technically contains four calories per gram, its minimal usage means it contributes virtually no calories to a food or beverage. The name '951' is simply its E-number, a code used by the European Union to identify food additives. In North America, it is listed by its name, 'aspartame.' Major brands that use aspartame include NutraSweet and Equal.
The Role of E-Numbers
E-numbers are codes for substances permitted for use as food additives within the European Union and are also used in many other countries. This system provides a simple, standardized way to label ingredients. A product containing aspartame will list 'E951' on its label if sold in a country using the E-number system, confirming its identity. This system helps consumers and manufacturers quickly identify the additive without needing to write out the full, and sometimes complex, chemical name.
Where You Will Find Aspartame/E951
Aspartame is a very common additive in a vast array of consumer goods. However, because it is not stable under high heat, it is generally not used in products that require baking.
Common products containing aspartame/E951 include:
- Diet sodas and other low-calorie beverages
- Chewing gum
- Yogurt and other dairy products
- Puddings and gelatins
- Breakfast cereals
- Tabletop sweeteners (e.g., NutraSweet, Equal)
- Some medications and supplements
Safety and Regulation of Aspartame
The safety of aspartame has been extensively studied over several decades. Major regulatory bodies around the world have concluded that it is safe for human consumption within an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI).
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA has consistently affirmed aspartame's safety, conducting numerous reviews since its approval in the 1980s.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): In a comprehensive re-evaluation published in 2013, EFSA concluded that aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for the general population at current exposure levels.
- Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): This global expert committee has repeatedly assessed aspartame and confirmed its safety within established ADI guidelines.
The IARC Classification Explained
In July 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a separate branch of the World Health Organization, classified aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B). This classification does not indicate the level of risk associated with normal consumption but rather identifies a hazard based on limited evidence. Both the FDA and JECFA explicitly disagreed with the IARC's conclusion regarding cancer risk from typical consumption levels, emphasizing that their full risk assessments find aspartame safe within the ADI. It is crucial to distinguish between a hazard classification (what IARC does) and a full risk assessment (what regulatory bodies like FDA and JECFA do).
A Note on Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Because aspartame contains phenylalanine, individuals with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must monitor their intake. For this reason, food products containing aspartame are required by law to include a warning on their label stating: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE".
Aspartame (E951) vs. Sugar (Sucrose) Comparison
| Feature | Aspartame (E951) | Sugar (Sucrose) |
|---|---|---|
| Caloric Content | 4 kcal per gram (but used in tiny amounts, so virtually calorie-free in final product) | 4 kcal per gram |
| Sweetness | ~200 times sweeter than sugar | Standard reference level of sweetness |
| Derived From | Two amino acids (aspartic acid and phenylalanine) | Plants (e.g., sugarcane, sugar beets) |
| Digestion | Breaks down into its constituent amino acids | Broken down into glucose and fructose |
| Heat Stability | Unstable; breaks down under heat, making it unsuitable for baking | Stable; can be used in baking and cooking |
| Effect on Blood Sugar | Does not affect blood sugar levels | Raises blood sugar levels |
| Regulatory Status | Approved for use in over 90 countries | A universally accepted food ingredient |
Conclusion
In short, the question, "is 951 sweetener the same as aspartame?" has a clear and simple answer: yes. The name '951' is the E-number for aspartame, a low-calorie artificial sweetener found in a variety of diet and sugar-free foods and beverages. While its safety has been the subject of controversy and extensive study, major global health and food safety organizations have consistently found it to be safe for consumption within recommended daily limits for the general population. The primary exception is for individuals with the rare genetic disorder PKU, who must avoid it due to its phenylalanine content. For everyone else, E951 and aspartame are simply two different names for the same, well-regulated ingredient. For more information on the FDA's stance on aspartame, you can visit their resource page.(https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food)
