What foods contain E951 (Aspartame)?

January 8, 2026 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization, aspartame is one of the most widely studied food additives, appearing in thousands of products since the 1980s. E951, or aspartame, is a low-calorie artificial sweetener found in a vast array of food and beverage products marketed for weight control and reduced sugar intake. It is crucial for consumers to know where this common additive is used to make informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

E951, known as aspartame, is a common artificial sweetener found in many low-calorie products. Key sources include diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, low-fat yogurts, gelatin desserts, and some tabletop sweeteners.

Key Points

Prevalence: E951, or aspartame, is a common artificial sweetener in thousands of products, including diet drinks, sugar-free gums, and yogurts.
Brand Names: Tabletop sweeteners containing aspartame are sold under popular brand names such as Equal, NutraSweet, and Canderel.
PKU Warning: Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame due to its phenylalanine content, which is noted on product labels.
Beverage Content: It is a key ingredient in most zero-sugar and diet sodas, as well as many powdered drink mixes.
Other Foods: Aspartame is also used in sugar-free gelatin, low-fat flavored milk, cereals, and certain condiments like diet syrups.
Labeling: To identify E951, check product labels for either the name 'aspartame' or the code 'E951'.
Not for Baking: Due to its instability under high heat, aspartame is not suitable for baked goods.

Understanding E951: What is Aspartame?

E951 is the European food additive code for aspartame, an artificial sweetener roughly 200 times sweeter than sugar. Composed of the amino acids L-aspartic acid and L-phenylalanine, very little is needed to provide sweetness, resulting in few calories. Its use in food and beverages became common after its approval in the 1980s.

Aspartame is not suitable for baking as heat breaks it down, reducing sweetness. This limits its use to products without high-temperature processing. People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder, cannot metabolize phenylalanine and must avoid aspartame; products containing it require a label warning.

Beverages Containing E951

Aspartame is frequently used in diet and sugar-free drinks to provide sweetness without sugar's calories.

Diet and Zero-Sugar Sodas: Many popular brands like Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Pepsi Max contain E951.
Diet Drink Mixes: Powdered mixes, such as Crystal Light, are a common source.
Flavored Water and Squash: 'Zero' or 'sugar-free' flavored waters and squashes often include E951.
Iced Teas and Instant Coffee: Some low-calorie or instant varieties may use aspartame.

Foods and Desserts with Aspartame

E951 is also found in a variety of foods, particularly those marketed for lower sugar content.

Chewing Gum and Mints: Most sugar-free gums and many sugar-free mints contain aspartame.
Dairy Products: Reduced-sugar yogurts, flavored milk, and frozen desserts often include aspartame.
Gelatin Desserts and Puddings: Sugar-free gelatin and pudding mixes frequently use E951.
Breakfast Cereals: Some low-sugar cereals are sweetened with aspartame.

Tabletop Sweeteners and Condiments

Aspartame is a main ingredient in many tabletop sweeteners.

Tabletop Sweeteners: Brands like NutraSweet, Equal, and Canderel contain E951.
Sugar-Free Syrups: Diet or sugar-free syrups may also list aspartame.

Comparison of Common E951 Containing Products


Product Category	Common Examples	Where to Look on Label
Diet Soft Drinks	Diet Coke, Pepsi Max, Coke Zero	Look for 'aspartame' or 'E951' in the ingredients list.
Sugar-Free Gum	Trident, Wrigley's Extra	The ingredients will specify aspartame as the sweetener.
Low-Fat Yogurt	Yoplait 0%, Nestlé Lindahls	Check for 'aspartame' or 'artificial sweetener' on the ingredients.
Powdered Drink Mixes	Crystal Light, Tang (sugar-free)	Scan the ingredients for aspartame or E951.
Tabletop Sweeteners	Equal, NutraSweet, Canderel	These products prominently feature aspartame as the main ingredient.

How to Identify E951 on Food Labels

Consumers can identify E951 by checking the ingredient list. Labels will list either "E951" or "aspartame". A statement like "Contains a source of phenylalanine" is also required.

Conclusion

E951, or aspartame, is a common artificial sweetener in numerous low-calorie and sugar-free products. Key sources include diet drinks, sugar-free gum, flavored dairy items, and tabletop sweeteners. Checking labels for "E951" or "aspartame" helps consumers manage their intake. As sweetener use evolves, label reading remains vital for informed dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

E951 is the European food additive code for aspartame, a synthetic, low-calorie sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.

Common products include diet and zero-sugar sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, low-calorie drink mixes, reduced-sugar yogurts, and tabletop sweeteners.

Yes, Diet Coke and other similar diet or zero-sugar sodas from brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain aspartame (E951).

You can check the ingredient list on the product's packaging. Look for the name 'aspartame' or the E-number 'E951'.

No, people with the rare genetic disorder phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame because their bodies cannot metabolize one of its components, phenylalanine.

Aspartame breaks down when exposed to high temperatures, causing it to lose its sweetness, making it unsuitable for baked goods.

Some popular brand names for tabletop sweeteners that use aspartame include NutraSweet, Equal, and Canderel.

Yes, most sugar-free chewing gums contain aspartame (E951) to provide sweetness without adding sugar.