Aspartame's Food Additive Number: 951 (E951)
For anyone scrutinizing ingredient lists, knowing the specific code for common food additives is essential. The sweetener number for aspartame is 951, which is part of an international numbering system used to classify food additives. In European countries, this code is preceded by the letter 'E', so aspartame is labeled as E951. This numbering system, established by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, allows for quick identification of additives across different food products and regions. Understanding this code empowers consumers to make informed choices about the products they purchase and consume. The number 951 on a label is a clear indicator that the item contains aspartame, a low-calorie, high-intensity sweetener widely used as a sugar substitute.
The Chemistry and Use of Aspartame
Aspartame is a unique sweetener composed of two amino acids: aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Since these amino acids are also building blocks of protein, they are found naturally in many protein-containing foods. However, it is the specific combination in aspartame that provides its intense sweetness, which is about 200 times that of sucrose (table sugar). Due to its potency, only a very small amount is needed to achieve a sweet taste, making it ideal for low-calorie and sugar-free products. While it provides a sweet flavor, it breaks down when exposed to high heat, which is why it is typically not used in baked goods. Its primary applications are in items that are not cooked, such as diet sodas, sugar-free chewing gum, yogurt, and tabletop sweeteners like Equal® and NutraSweet®.
Reading the Fine Print: Labels and Health Considerations
Identifying aspartame on a product label is straightforward. The ingredient list will typically state either "aspartame" or its E-number, "E951". For many consumers, this is all the information they need. However, for individuals with a rare genetic disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), additional labeling is critical. People with PKU cannot properly metabolize phenylalanine, an amino acid found in aspartame. Therefore, products containing aspartame must include a separate warning that says, "Contains a source of phenylalanine". This provides a vital alert, allowing individuals managing PKU to monitor and control their intake of this amino acid. The use of clear, standardized labeling is a testament to regulatory bodies prioritizing consumer safety and information.
Aspartame in the Regulatory Spotlight
The safety of aspartame has been extensively reviewed by numerous food safety authorities worldwide over several decades. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated aspartame and established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for consumption. The ADI is the amount of a substance that can be safely consumed each day over a lifetime. In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a separate body of the WHO, classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B). It is important to note the distinction: IARC's classification is a hazard identification, indicating a potential, but not proven, link to cancer, based on limited evidence. JECFA simultaneously reaffirmed its existing ADI, which is based on an exposure risk assessment and is considered safe for the general population within the specified limits.
Common Products Containing Aspartame
- Diet and sugar-free soft drinks (e.g., Coke Zero, Diet Pepsi)
- Sugar-free gelatin and puddings
- Chewing gum
- Yogurt and other dairy products
- Tabletop sweeteners (e.g., NutraSweet®, Equal®)
- Flavored water beverages
- Certain breakfast cereals
- Some pharmaceutical products and throat lozenges
Comparison of Common Artificial Sweeteners
| Feature | Aspartame (E951) | Sucralose (E955) | Acesulfame K (E950) | Saccharin (E954) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | ~200x sweeter than sugar | ~600x sweeter than sugar | ~200x sweeter than sugar | ~300x sweeter than sugar |
| Calorie Content | 4 kcal/g (but minimal amount used) | 0 kcal/g | 0 kcal/g | 0 kcal/g |
| Heat Stability | Not stable, breaks down when heated | Heat-stable, suitable for baking | Heat-stable, often blended with other sweeteners | Heat-stable, one of the oldest sweeteners |
| Chemical Type | Dipeptide (protein-based) | Chlorinated sucrose derivative | Acetoacetic acid derivative | Benzoic sulfimide derivative |
Conclusion
Knowing the sweetener number for aspartame—951 or E951—is a practical skill for any consumer who wants to understand what is in their food. This simple numerical code serves as a universal identifier for the ingredient on food labels, particularly in the European market. While regulatory bodies like JECFA have confirmed its safety within recommended daily intake levels, it is crucial for individuals with PKU to heed the phenylalanine warning on labels. By understanding the number and the context behind food additive labeling, consumers can confidently navigate the processed food landscape and make educated choices about their diet. For further information on the safety assessments of food additives, including aspartame, you can consult sources like the European Food Safety Authority.
