What is Alitame?
Alitame is an artificial, non-nutritive sweetener developed by Pfizer in the early 1980s. It is a dipeptide composed of two amino acids: L-aspartic acid and D-alanine. This differs from other dipeptide sweeteners like aspartame, offering enhanced stability and other unique characteristics. Unlike saccharin, it does not have a metallic aftertaste, and its sweetness profile is described as clean and very similar to sucrose. As a high potency sweetener, only minute quantities are required to achieve significant sweetness. This concentration of flavor allows for a substantial reduction in the overall sugar content of a food product, leading to lower calorie counts. The compound was even intended to have an improved stability profile over aspartame, particularly under heat and acidic conditions.
Key Properties and Benefits
Alitame was designed with specific advantages in mind to improve upon previous sweetener generations. One of its most significant characteristics is its high heat stability, which is considerably greater than that of aspartame. This makes it suitable for applications that involve thermal processing, such as baked goods and hard candies, where other sweeteners might degrade. The sweetener is also stable across a wide range of pH levels, further broadening its potential uses in acidic products like soft drinks. Another major benefit is its composition: since it uses D-alanine instead of phenylalanine, it is safe for consumption by individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that prevents the metabolism of phenylalanine. Additionally, alitame has a non-hygroscopic crystalline powder form, which makes it easy to handle during manufacturing.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its benefits, alitame presents certain challenges. The primary issue with such a high potency sweetener is the difficulty in controlling the sweetness level during manufacturing, as even a small miscalculation in dosage can have a profound effect on the final product's taste. Furthermore, while alitame is a promising option, its global regulatory approval is not universal. It is permitted in countries like Australia, New Zealand, China, and Mexico, but it has not received approval for use in the United States or the European Union. The US petition for approval was withdrawn by its manufacturer, Danisco, due to high production costs, not safety concerns. Some studies have also suggested potential effects on gut bacteria and glucose metabolism, although toxicological studies have generally found no adverse effects at high doses.
Comparison of Alitame with Other High-Potency Sweeteners
To better understand alitame's position in the market, it is useful to compare it with other popular intense sweeteners. The table below highlights some key differences.
| Feature | Alitame | Aspartame | Sucralose | Neotame | Advantame |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetness (x Sucrose) | ~2,000x | ~200x | ~600x | 7,000–13,000x | ~20,000x |
| PKU Safe | Yes | No, contains phenylalanine | Yes | Yes, negligible phenylalanine | Yes, negligible phenylalanine |
| Heat Stable | Very Stable | Unstable at high heat | Stable | Stable | Stable |
| Regulatory Status (US) | No Approval (withdrawn) | Approved | Approved | Approved | Approved |
| Aftertaste | No aftertaste | Varies for some | No aftertaste | Clean taste | Clean taste |
Common Applications
Despite its limited regulatory approval, alitame has found utility in several food and pharmaceutical applications where its stability and flavor profile are beneficial. These include:
- Baked Goods: The heat stability of alitame makes it a strong candidate for baked goods and baking mixes, where it can provide sweetness without degradation during the cooking process.
- Beverages: It is used in both hot and cold beverages, including water-based flavored drinks and dairy-based beverages.
- Confectionery: Alitame's stable nature is ideal for hard candies, soft candies, and chewing gum.
- Dairy Products: Applications in dairy-based desserts, creams, and edible ices are common.
- Tabletop Sweeteners: It can be used as a standalone tabletop sweetener, sometimes in formulations that blend it with other diluents for better control due to its high intensity.
Conclusion
In summary, alitame is a high potency sweetener, boasting a sweetening power roughly 2,000 times that of sucrose. Its dipeptide structure provides exceptional heat and pH stability, surpassing that of aspartame, and its non-phenylalanine content makes it safe for individuals with PKU. However, the key to its limited global market presence lies not in safety concerns—as evaluated by international bodies like JECFA—but in economic factors that led to its manufacturer withdrawing its petition for US approval. While it offers significant technical advantages, the regulatory landscape and production costs have ultimately defined its accessibility and application range. The story of alitame highlights the complex interplay between innovation, economics, and regulation in the food additives industry. For further reading, consult the JECFA evaluation report: Alitame (JECFA Food Additives Series 50).
