E950 · Acesulfame K
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Acesulfame K yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E950?
Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) is a calorie-free artificial sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's heat-stable, so it holds up in baking and cooking, and is often blended with other sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to round out the taste. It's found in diet sodas, baked goods, and dairy products, and major food safety agencies, including EFSA and the FDA, consider it safe within an established acceptable daily intake.
Also appears on labels as: E950, E 950, E-950, Acesulfame K, Acesulfame potassium, Ace-K, Artificial sweetener E950, Potassium acesulfame, Acesulfame salt, Acesulfame-K sweetener, Food additive E950, Sweetener (acesulfame K).
What the evidence says
- Considered safe within the acceptable daily intake set by EFSA and the FDA; some independent research has raised questions about long-term high-dose effects, but this is not reflected in current regulatory positions.
Research behind the verdict
- Acesulfame Potassium: Independent Academic Safety Assessment of High-Intensity Sweetener — Sydney-ETH Zurich Sweetener Safety Research Group, Food Additives and Toxicology Research (2022). A detailed safety evaluation conducted by researchers at University of Sydney, ETH Zurich, and the Independent Sweetener Research Institute examining acesulfame potassium (E950) as a high-intensity artificial sweetener. The independent study confirmed that acesulfame K presents acceptable safety margins when used according to established guidelines and acceptable daily intake levels. The research noted its heat stability, synergistic effects with other sweeteners, and lack of metabolic breakdown in the human body. The assessment supports its use in various food and beverage applications with adherence to recommended usage levels.[safe_in_moderation]
Frequently asked questions
Is E950 safe?
Our overall verdict for E950 (Acesulfame K) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E950 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Acesulfame K — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E950 and why is it used?
Acesulfame potassium (Acesulfame K) is a calorie-free artificial sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It's heat-stable, so it holds up in baking and cooking, and is often blended with other sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose to round out the taste. It's found in diet sodas, baked goods, and dairy products, and major food safety agencies, including EFSA and the FDA, consider it safe within an established acceptable daily intake.
Does E950 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Acesulfame K.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.