Common Brand and Trade Names
Aspartame is an ingredient used by various food manufacturers, and it is also sold directly to consumers as a tabletop sweetener under specific brand names. These commercial names are often the most familiar alternative labels for the sweetener.
Popular Trade Names for Aspartame
- NutraSweet: One of the most widely recognized brand names for aspartame, used in thousands of consumer products globally, from diet sodas to chewing gum.
- Equal: Another prominent brand name, often sold in small packets for use in coffee or tea, but also used as an ingredient in many foods and drinks.
- Sugar Twin: Used as both a tabletop sweetener and an ingredient in various sugar-free products in some regions.
- Canderel: A popular brand name, particularly in Europe, for aspartame-based sweeteners.
- AminoSweet: A brand name that was announced by manufacturer Ajinomoto in 2009 for its aspartame sweetener.
Why So Many Brand Names?
The existence of multiple brand names stems from the expiration of original patents. This led to different companies manufacturing and marketing their own versions of the product, creating competition and a variety of market-specific labels. This is a common practice in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where generic versions often appear after a patent expires.
Chemical and Additive Identification
For food scientists, regulators, and anyone reading the fine print on an ingredient label, aspartame has more technical designations. These names describe the chemical compound itself or its regulatory status.
Chemical Name
The formal chemical name for aspartame is a mouthful: L-α-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester. This name describes its structure as a methyl ester of the dipeptide formed from the amino acids aspartic acid (L-aspartic acid) and phenylalanine (L-phenylalanine). When you consume aspartame, it breaks down into these constituent amino acids, along with a small amount of methanol, during digestion.
European E-Number
In Europe, food additives are identified by a three- or four-digit code preceded by the letter 'E'. This system, managed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), simplifies ingredient labeling. Aspartame is designated as E951. If you see E951 listed on a food label in Europe, you are looking at aspartame.
Reading the Labels: What to Look For
To identify aspartame in a food or drink, you should check the ingredient list. The product may be labeled as sugar-free, diet, or low-calorie, but the best way to confirm the presence of aspartame is by reading the ingredient list itself. In addition to the names mentioned above, you may see the terms "artificial sweetener" or "with sweetener(s)" on the label, and it's important to check the list for specifics.
For those with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU), a special warning is legally required on products containing aspartame because they cannot properly metabolize the phenylalanine it contains. In the US, this warning states: "PHENYLKETONURICS: CONTAINS PHENYLALANINE." In the UK, it states: "Contains a source of phenylalanine".
Aspartame vs. Other Artificial Sweeteners
While aspartame is a prominent artificial sweetener, it is important not to confuse it with others that are commonly used. The table below highlights key differences between aspartame and some of its counterparts.
| Feature | Aspartame | Sucralose (Splenda) | Saccharin (Sweet'N Low) | Steviol Glycosides (Stevia) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composition | Dipeptide from aspartic acid and phenylalanine | Chlorinated derivative of sucrose | Benzoic sulfimide | Purified extracts from stevia plant |
| Sweetness | ~200 times sweeter than sugar | ~600 times sweeter than sugar | ~200-700 times sweeter than sugar | ~200-400 times sweeter than sugar |
| Heat Stability | Not heat-stable; loses sweetness when baked | Heat-stable; suitable for baking | Heat-stable | Heat-stable |
| PKU Warning | Contains phenylalanine; warning required | Does not contain phenylalanine; no warning needed | No phenylalanine; no warning needed | No phenylalanine; no warning needed |
Conclusion
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener with a variety of aliases that consumers may encounter. The most common alternative labels are brand names such as NutraSweet, Equal, and Canderel. For technical and regulatory purposes, it is also identified by its chemical name, methyl L-α-aspartyl-L-phenylalaninate, and the food additive code E951 in Europe. By understanding these different names, consumers can more easily identify aspartame when reading product labels for diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and thousands of other items. The presence of these different names is a result of a complex market history, but the basic ingredient remains the same. Knowing what are other names for aspartame is key for managing dietary choices effectively.
For more detailed information on aspartame and other sweeteners, a reliable source is the official U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: FDA Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food.
Identifying Aspartame Beyond the Label
While reading the ingredient list is the most reliable method, aspartame is commonly found in a wide variety of low-calorie and sugar-free products. Familiarizing yourself with these categories can help you anticipate its presence.
Common Products Containing Aspartame:
- Diet and sugar-free soft drinks
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Low-calorie powdered drink mixes
- Gelatin and pudding mixes
- Some low-calorie yogurts
- Certain breakfast cereals
- Chewable vitamin supplements
- Flavored water beverages
This list is not exhaustive but covers some of the most common product types where aspartame is a primary ingredient.
The Breakdown of Aspartame in the Body
When consumed, aspartame is metabolized into three components that are absorbed into the body: phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and a small amount of methanol. These are common components also found in many everyday foods, and the body uses them for normal processes. The amount of these breakdown products from typical aspartame consumption is far less than what is obtained from a regular diet, and the body processes them in the same way. The exception, as noted, is for individuals with PKU, who must avoid the phenylalanine.
